Recently, among users of computer terminals, laptops or mobile devices, the following question is increasingly being asked: "Wireless - what is it?". Let's look at this topic and give basic definitions.
Wireless: what is it in general?
For a start, we will start from the very definition and translation of a word from English. It is formed from the word wire (cable, cord, wire) and the ending -less, which when added to the original word means "absence", "without", etc.
Actually, from this we can conclude that wireless, in essence, means "wireless." Today, this concept is more applicable to communication systems and Internet access. Who has not heard of Wi-Fi? But such networks can be characterized by the term “wireless”.
What is a Wireless adapter: basic concepts and types
As for the adapters that are used to set up wireless communications, the most common are routers, ADSL modems with built-in Wi-Fi modules , USB adapters, as well as standard components based on the PCI bus, installed, for example, in desktop computers, Wi-Fi -modules in mobile gadgets, as well as means for establishing a connection via Bluetooth (they also belong to the category of wireless technologies).
It goes without saying that the principles of their operation are somewhat different, as are the installation and configuration methods. For example, a router, depending on the model, can provide the distribution of IP addresses to several devices, and the range varies from 10-100 m in the line of sight. USB adapters and stationary devices based on the PCI bus are connected directly to computers or laptops and are able to provide wireless communication only for terminals to which they are directly connected. As already clear, there is no need to talk about the range or signal availability for other devices. Although, when using some models, you can arrange distribution yourself from your own computer or laptop. But we do not touch on this issue.
Wireless networks and extras
The concept of "wireless network" (Wireless Network) appeared relatively recently. If we talk about computer technology, here we can distinguish two main categories of networks: Wi-Fi and WiMAX.
It goes without saying that when establishing communication in such networks, different technologies are used. As a rule, Wi-Fi networks use the so-called unlicensed frequencies and are limited in coverage radius, which usually does not exceed 100 m. Naturally, much depends on the power of the distribution equipment, say, the brand of the router.
There is another concept of wireless. What is this in terms of WiMAX networks? This is, first of all, the use of licensed signal transmission frequencies and coverage of tens of kilometers. True, among ordinary users, such networks are not particularly widespread simply because of their high cost (referring to equipment, installation, maintenance, subscription rates, etc.).
Considering the topic "Wireless: what is it?", You can not ignore the means of wireless data transmission Bluetooth. Of course, in most cases, such modules are not suitable for accessing the Internet, but they are very well suited for fast transfer of files and data. True, here it is worth considering the restriction on the radius of action, which usually does not exceed an indicator of 10 m.
Conclusion
Here's a quick summary of what wireless technologies are. In this case, we examined only the computer world, and few think about the fact that mobile communication in its essence also refers to what is commonly called wireless technology. Even in everyday life, we encounter them almost every day. Take at least the usual remote control of household appliances. Here, the transmission capabilities of the control and receiving signal are used based on the infrared capabilities . However, you can continue this list for quite some time.