Wireless network

A wireless network is a computer network that uses wireless data connections between network nodes. Instead of using cables, wireless networks use radio waves to send and receive information. This makes it easier and often cheaper to connect devices in homes, offices, and other places without needing to run wires through walls or across long distances.

Wireless networking is important because it allows people to connect to the internet and communicate without being tied down by cords. For example, you can use a laptop or a tablet in different rooms of your house thanks to a wireless local area network, often called a Wi-Fi network. This type of network is part of larger telecommunications networks that include cell phone networks and satellite systems.

Many kinds of wireless networks exist, serving different needs. Wireless local area networks (WLANs) are common in homes and schools, while cell phone networks keep us connected on the go. Other types, like sensor networks and terrestrial microwave networks, help machines and devices talk to each other over longer distances. All these networks work together to keep our world connected.

History

The first professional wireless network was made under the brand ALOHAnet in 1969 at the University of Hawaii. It started working in June 1971. The first commercial wireless network was the WaveLAN product family, made by NCR in 1986.

Important moments include the release of the 802.11 "Wi-Fi" rules in June 1997 and the adding of VoIP in 1999.

Improvements in technology, especially in MOSFET wireless devices, helped make and spread digital wireless networks. By the 1990s, these improvements caused wireless networks to grow, with more changes in the 2000s that made them faster and able to handle more. Today, most parts of wireless networks, like mobile phones and base stations, use these advanced technologies.

Wireless links

Wireless networks send information without wires. They use different ways to do this.

One way is terrestrial microwave communication. This uses transmitters and receivers on Earth to send signals in straight lines between stations about 48 km apart.

Another way uses communications satellites. These orbit Earth and can send voice, data, and TV signals from space.

Other systems include cellular and PCS systems. These divide areas into sections with small transmitters to pass calls between sections.

Radio and spread spectrum technologies, like Wi-Fi, let many devices talk to each other in a small area using radio waves.

Free-space optical communication uses light to send information, but it needs a clear line of sight between devices.

Types of wireless networks

Wireless personal area networks (WPANs) connect devices within a small area, like within a person's reach. Examples include Bluetooth for linking a headset to a laptop and Zigbee for other small device connections. Wi-Fi is also becoming common in consumer electronics.

Wireless local area networks (WLANs) connect devices over short distances, often through an access point for internet access. Products using IEEE 802.11 standards are known as Wi-Fi. These networks allow users to move around while staying connected.

Uses

Wireless networks are used in many everyday things, like cellular phones. They let us talk easily with friends and family. Emergency services, such as the police, also use them to communicate quickly. Wireless networks help people and businesses send and share data fast, whether they are in a small office or far away across the world. Intercontinental network systems use radio satellites to connect people all around the globe.

Properties

Wireless networks are useful for homes and businesses because they don’t need wires to connect devices. Different types of wireless technologies work best for different jobs, like small home networks or big company systems.

Wireless networks can work well in places that are hard to wire, like across a street or between separate buildings. They also save space by removing cords and wires. For homes, wireless networks make it easy to share things like printers and internet without needing to run cables. Even though wireless networks can have problems like interference or signals getting blocked, they are very helpful for connecting devices without needing to install wires.

Safety

Wireless access points are often near people, but their signal gets weaker as you move away. The United Kingdom’s Health Protection Agency says that the energy from WiFi is usually less than from mobile phones. They say schools and others can safely use WiFi equipment. In October 2007, the HPA started studying WiFi networks to look at concerns from the media. Dr Michael Clark of the HPA said that research on mobile phones and masts does not show that WiFi is harmful.

See also: Wireless electronic devices and health