Wireless Networks And Their Types

Wireless networks are computer networks that use electromagnetic waves instead of wires to carry signals over different parts of the network. Wireless networks that run over other wireless networks often use lower layer networks to provide security and encryption. Stand-alone wireless networks either provide their own security and encryption features or rely on ONVPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to provide those features. In many types of cases, multiple layers of security (Protection) and encryption may be desirable.

The Need for Wireless Networks and Their Benefits

Wireless networks are one of the fastest growing areas of technology in the telecommunications industry. Its worldwide popularity and use in and everywhere in the world is a direct result of having many advantages over the use of wire-based systems. Its use was introduced into existence as the offspring of both cost concerns and mobility issues. Its cost is affordable because the cables installed are very short, or there is no need to install them. The time required for the installation of such a network is much less than that of a wired network. Wireless is the most suitable option where cabling is not allowed, or cabling is too complicated to install, e.g., in heritage buildings or along rivers.

Types of Wireless Networks

Wireless networks are classified in various ways. Some wireless networks are fixed, meaning the antennas do not move often. Other wireless networks are mobile, meaning the antenna can move constantly. The major types are classified into the routes they follow based on their boundaries and the technology used.

Wireless Personal Area Networks (Wireless PAN)

In a wireless personal area network, devices are interconnected within a small area, like a room. TheBluetooth protocol is an example of a radio technology used in short ranges, typically of a few metres. For example, Bluetooth is used to wirelessly connect a headset to a PC or laptop. The Infrared Data Association (IRDA) specifies protocol standards for data transfer using infrared rays in wireless PAN.

Wireless Local Area Networks (Wireless LANs)

Wireless local area networks are wireless implementations of local area networks (LANs). Data is transmitted between computers using radio waves sent into areas such as large homes, office areas or schools. Wireless LAN protocols are standardized under the IEEE 802.11 series. Wi-Fi, a standard for “wireless fidelity” is widely used for networking personal computers and the Internet. The Wi-Fi technology brand, owned by the Wi FI Alliance, is used to certify products using the IEEE 802.11 standards to establish interoperability between products.

Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (Wireless MANs)

Wireless metropolitan area networks connect multiple wireless LANs together. The IEEE 802.16 standard is used for compliant implementations of wireless MANs. WIMAX word , which stands for Worldwide Interoperabilityfor Microwave Access, is an example of such an implementation. Coverage can reach a radius of more than 30 miles around the WiMAX tower. MMDS (Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service) is a broadband wireless MAN technology that uses point-to-multipoint transmission using Ultra High Frequency (UHF). Its range can reach up to 70 miles. LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution Service) is another point-to-multipoint technology that uses microwaves and reaches a shorter range of up to 5 miles from the base station.

Mobile Networks

The above three wireless networks, PAN, LAN and WAN run over their own physical layer networks, using anything from antennas built into handheld devices to large antennas mounted on towers. However, some wireless data networks run over wireless voice networks, such as the mobile telephone network. The major types of mobile networks used for data exchange are given below:

1. HSCSD (High Speed ​​Circuit Switched Data). It is a specification for data transfer over GSM networks.

2. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). It is a radio service designed to run over Global Systems for Mobiles (GSM), a global standard for cellular communications.

3. CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). It refers to several protocols of 2G and 3G wireless communications. CDMA-2000 1xRTT, a 3G wireless technology based on the CDMA platform, is widely used in cellular and data communications networks.

4. HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access). It is an enhanced 3G mobile communications protocol that allows universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) networks to facilitate higher data transfer speeds.

5. EVDO (Evolution-Data Optimized). It is a telecommunications standard for using radio signals to transmit data for broadband Internet access. With the help of both code division multiple access (CDMA) and time division multiple access (TDMA) technologies, it allows data transfer over multiple data.

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