Wireless Networking
What is wireless networking?
A wireless network is any type of computer network that uses wireless data transmission for connecting network nodes. Connecting nodes can be any kind of telecommunication device such as telecommunication tower, mobile phone, satellite station, etc.
Wireless networking is a way by which homes, communications networks and enterprise (business) installations avoid the costly process of introducing cables and other physical communication media into a building, or as a connection between various communication equipment.
Radio communication is vital in any wireless telecommunication system. Because most of the wireless communications networks are implemented and administered using radio communication.
Very common examples of wireless networks include mobile networks, Wi-Fi networks, broadband networks and etc.
Types of wireless networks
1. Wireless PAN(WPAN)
WPAN stands for wireless personal area network which is a personal area network – a network for the telecommunication requirements with in a very small area. Here interconnecting devices are centered on an individual’s personnel workplace – where all the connections are wireless. Wireless PAN is based on the international standard IEEE 802.15.
There are two kinds of wireless technologies currently being used for WPAN – Bluetooth and Infrared data communication.
A WPAN is usually used to serve the telecommunication purposes in s small region in between many computing and communication devices. Usually these networks are home and enterprise based. Television, mobiles and other computing devices connecting to the same Wi-Fi hotspot in a home is an example to this type of wireless networks.
Other than these general communication purposes it is used for very special type of networks such as allowing a coach and his team players to communicate during practices.
A key principle in WPAN technology is called as “plugging in”. In the ideal case, when any two WPAN-equipped devices get into close proximity (within couple of meters of each other) or within a few kilometers of the central server, they can communicate as just like they are connected by a cable.
Another important characteristic is the ability of each device to block other devices selectively, preventing unnecessary interference or unauthorized access to data. This is how the privacy and the security of the WPAN-equipped devices are stablished.
The technology for WPANs is in its very early stages and is undergoing dramatic development. Currently, proposed operating frequencies are nearly 2.4 GHz in digital modes. The objective is to create seamless operation among home or business equipment and systems. Each and every device in a WPAN will be able to plug into any other device of the same WPAN, given they are within physical range of one another.
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