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 developed under the brand ALOHAnet in 1969 at the University of Hawaii and became operational in June 1971. The first commercial wireless network was the WaveLAN product family, developed by NCR in 1986. Important milestones include the release of the 802.11 "Wi-Fi" protocol in June 1997 and the integration of VoIP in 1999.

Advances in technology, especially in MOSFET wireless devices, helped create and spread digital wireless networks. By the 1990s, these advances led to the growth of wireless networks, with more improvements in the 2000s increasing their speed and capacity. Today, most parts of wireless networks, like mobile phones and base stations, use these advanced technologies.

Wireless links

Wireless networks use different methods to send information without wires. One way is through terrestrial microwave communication, which uses transmitters and receivers on Earth to send signals in straight lines between stations about 48 km apart. Another method uses communications satellites that orbit Earth and can send voice, data, and TV signals from space.

Other systems include cellular and PCS systems, which divide areas into sections with small transmitters to pass calls between sections. Radio and spread spectrum technologies, like Wi-Fi, allow many devices to talk to each other in a small area using radio waves. Free-space optical communication uses light to send information, but also 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, which let us talk easily with friends and family. They are also used by emergency services, such as the police, to communicate quickly and effectively. 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 both 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 close to people, but the strength of their signal drops quickly with distance, following the inverse-square law. The United Kingdom’s Health Protection Agency believes that exposure to radio frequency energy from WiFi is usually lower than from mobile phones. They also stated there is no reason why schools and others should not use WiFi equipment. In October 2007, the HPA began a detailed study on the effects of WiFi networks to address concerns that had been raised in the media. According to Dr Michael Clark of the HPA, research on mobile phones and masts does not prove that WiFi is harmful.

See also: Wireless electronic devices and health