Wireless Technology |
types of wireless technology
What are the types of wireless technology available?
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is a local area wireless technology that enables an electronic device to exchange data or connect to the Internet using 2.4 GHz UHF and 5 GHz SHF radio waves. Many devices can use Wi-Fi, for example PC, game consoles, smartphones, and digital audio players.
To connect to a Wi-Fi LAN, a computer has to be equipped with a wireless network interface controller. The combination of computer and interface controller is called a station. All stations share a single radio frequency communication channel. Transmission on this channel are received by all stations within range. A carrier wave is used to transmit the data in packets, referred to as ‘Ethernet frames”. Each stations is constantly tuned in on the radio frequency communication channel to pick up available transmissions.
To connect to a Wi-Fi LAN, a computer has to be equipped with a wireless network interface controller. The combination of computer and interface controller is called a station. All stations share a single radio frequency communication channel. Transmission on this channel are received by all stations within range. A carrier wave is used to transmit the data in packets, referred to as ‘Ethernet frames”. Each stations is constantly tuned in on the radio frequency communication channel to pick up available transmissions.
Blue Tooth
Blue tooth is the name of the wireless technology that is used primarily to allow individual devices to communicate with each other over short distances. For example, handheld computers can transmit a phone number from an address book to a mobile phone, which then dials the number. While it is possible to use blue tooth to network computers together, this is not generally done.
The name ’Bluetooth’ reflects the Scandinavian origins of the technology. It is named after a 10th century Danish viking, King Harald Blåtand (translated as 'Bluetooth' in English).
He united and controlled Denmark and Norway, hence the association of uniting devices through Bluetooth. Legend has it that he liked eating blueberries - so much that his teeth became stained with the color of the fruit, giving rise to his name!
The name ’Bluetooth’ reflects the Scandinavian origins of the technology. It is named after a 10th century Danish viking, King Harald Blåtand (translated as 'Bluetooth' in English).
He united and controlled Denmark and Norway, hence the association of uniting devices through Bluetooth. Legend has it that he liked eating blueberries - so much that his teeth became stained with the color of the fruit, giving rise to his name!
Infrared
Wireless infrared technology allows two devices to communicate using infrared light and you most commonly find them in remote controls. Infrared devices need to maintain a constant line of sight between the devices and are more reliable over short distances. The most common use of infrared technology is allowing handheld computers to exchange data with each other and with laptop computers. Most handheld devices and laptops have a built-in infrared port.
Cellular
Cellular technology is most commonly associated with mobile telephones. A cellular network or mobile network is a wireless network distributed over land areas location transceiver, known as a cell site or base station. Each telephone communicates with a nearby transmitter, which changes as the phone moves around a location. Laptop computers routinely use cellular phones as modems to provide dial-up access from remote locations.
Microwave
Microwave wireless technology enables two devices to communicate using microwave dishes that are aligned with each other. Generally, microwave is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from as long as one meter to as short as one millimeter, or equivalently, with frequency between 300 MHz (0.3 GHz) and 300 GHz. If it is prolonged exposed to people, it can cause cataracts in the eyes, which is a clouding of the lens, preventing oneself from seeing clearly. Microwaves from your mobile phones can affect parts of your brain.
References
Rob Tidrow (2006), Wireless Networking Visual Quick Tips, Hoboken, NJ, Canada: Wiley Publishing Inc.
Gary S. Rogers, John Edwards (2003), An Introduction to Wireless Technology, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave
http://www.darvill.clara.net/emag/emagmicro.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_network
For education purpose only
Rob Tidrow (2006), Wireless Networking Visual Quick Tips, Hoboken, NJ, Canada: Wiley Publishing Inc.
Gary S. Rogers, John Edwards (2003), An Introduction to Wireless Technology, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwave
http://www.darvill.clara.net/emag/emagmicro.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellular_network
For education purpose only