Types of wireless communication

In Bluetooth technology, frequencies change by leaps and bounds 1600 times per second using individual frequencies. This means that when multiple devices are used in parallel, they will not interfere with each other.

Wireless network: definition, types, types, examples and difference from wired

Hello all! Today I will tell you – what is a wireless network, what is it for and why it is so called. From the name "Wireless Networks" – you can understand that information is transmitted through the air without the involvement of wires. The data transfer takes place using ordinary radio waves. The most popular type of wireless network is the well-known Wi-Fi. So if you are connected to Wi-Fi from your phone, tablet or laptop, then you are already enjoying the benefits of wireless communication. And now let's talk about everything in order and in more detail.

TIP! In order to understand the topic 100% – I advise you to read all the additional links that I have attached in the article. Also, if you have any questions, you can feel free to ask them in the comments, and I will answer them for you.

So what is a network basically?

We already understood a little bit about the word "Wireless," but let's break down the second word, which is: "Network." Often you can hear an even broader concept: "Computer Networks". Let's break it down using a local home network as an example – it's easier to understand. If you have a router or a router at home, you are connected to your home LAN.

You can connect computers, laptops, tablets, phones, televisions, security cameras, printers, and more to the router. In general, everything that has in its characteristics two concepts: Wi-Fi and direct LAN connection.

The router helps all connected local networks to communicate intelligently. It does not matter how exactly the device is connected via Wi-Fi or cable.

NOTE! Router and router are the same thing.

As you can see from the picture, the router is connected to the Internet. In this case it acts as a gateway, which intelligently distributes information between the local network and the global. It also allows these two networks to communicate quickly and without downtime. But most often the communication is of the type "request-response".

For example, you visit a site, a request goes from the local network to the global network. Then the request comes back to you on your device: a computer, a laptop, a phone or a tablet. Schematically, the local network is designated as "LAN", and the global one as "WAN".

That is why the router has a separate WAN port, which is designed for the cable, wired into the apartment from the provider. The rest are usually LAN ports for local devices and building a wired network.

How a wireless LAN works

The operating principle of these technologies is based on the use of ultrahigh-frequency waves. They are used to transmit encrypted signals over long distances. Any network scheme must consist of at least two components: a client and an access point.

Pay attention! In the client-client scheme the access point is not necessary.

In general terms, the principle of a wi-fi connection is relatively simple. When the client comes within range of the access point, it immediately detects it. It then prompts for a connection. If it is secured, a password will be required.

Wireless connectivity: basic types

Depending on the technology used and the type of transmission medium, there are basic categories.

Radio modems

In this variant, frequencies with a special range are used. Any modem model necessarily has an antenna and a transmitter. The most popular technologies used in modems are bluetooth, Hiperlan, and Ethernet.

Cellular modems

Cellular modems can work in almost any environment, but they are not distinguished by stable connection and high speed. However, nowadays there are signal boosters that can help solve these problems. There are two types of signal transmission in cellular modems:

Satellite communication.

In this case, the installation of wireless Wi-Fi networks is related to the action of the satellite. The data transmission is carried out through it. The main condition – the satellite must be located at a distance of 40 thousand kilometers.

Pay attention! The distance for the data transfer can be great, and the connection speed can reach up to 2 Mb/sec.

The main disadvantage is the delay, because of which it is impossible to use this type of connection in real time.

Networks used in everyday life

This category includes the following connection types:

• WPAN. A technology that allows you to connect devices without the use of cables for 100 m. The main condition is that the phones and other connected devices must be within line of sight. The most famous type of this technology is considered to be Bluetooth. It is used to connect smartphones, tablets, televisions and other household appliances. For example, you can use bluetooth to send an abstract or a downloaded magazine to another device. The main advantage of WPAN is that it can be set up on multiple devices. The minus is the small range;
• WLAN. Originally known as wi-fi, the network was used to operate cash register systems. Today, several points and client devices can be simultaneously included in such a network. The advantages of WLAN include good speed, easy setup, and the ability to add multiple devices. Of the disadvantages, users note the high power consumption, compatibility problems, weak protection;
• WMAN. The technology required to serve a particular locality. It combines several Wi-Fi points and can work over distances of several thousand kilometers. Its positive parameters are high speed internet and range. But this technology also has its disadvantages. One of them is the opinion of people who believe that WMAN has properties that affect the health. In addition, it is worth paying attention to the high cost and complexity of installation;
• WWAN. Represents the most complex type of connection, which connects several states using antennas and satellites. Among the common types of WWAN connection are 2G, 3G, GPRS, LTE. This Internet connection is provided to users on a paid basis. But this way anyone is able to connect to the network from a phone or laptop, even while on the move. The main advantages are affordability, no influence of the weather on the quality of communication. The disadvantages are the high cost of subscription fees and low data transfer speeds.

Main types of networks

Depending on the type of transmission medium and the technology used, wireless networks are divided into several categories. Let us highlight the main ones:

• On cellular modems. Such wireless networks use existing hardware and are able to work in harsh conditions. Common problems are interference, loss of signal (although now modem signal amplification is not such a problem), etc. Types of signal transmission: analog (TACS, FDMA) and digital (TDMA, GSM and others).

• SST. In this technology, the signal is distributed over a frequency spectrum, which increases its bandwidth. This system is actively used in the military sphere. It is divided into two categories, FH-SS and DH-SS. In the first case, the receiver and transmitter change frequency simultaneously, and in the second, the signal is "smeared" over the entire range.
• VSAT – satellite wireless network, which provides the transfer of information via satellite (must be at a distance of 40 000 km). Data is transmitted at a speed of up to 2 Mbit / s, the transfer of information over long distances is possible. Among the disadvantages is the delay (about 250 msec), so such systems are not used in real time.
• Application of low-orbit satellites. Same as in the previous case, satellites are used here, but their distance from the Earth is not more than 100 km. Due to the smaller distance, the information delay is reduced, and the quality of communication is improved.

• Infrared systems. They are characterized by a small price of receivers and transmitters, and also by a high speed of data transfer. Such wireless networks work in the line of sight. Information transmission speed is limited to 115.2 Kbps.
• Radio relay communication. The system transmits analog and digital signals at up to 34 Mb/sec. It is possible to use different bands. The upper limit for the distance is 80 km.
• Laser systems. Data are transferred using a special laser beam. The transfer rate can be up to 10 Gbit/sec. The connection is stable and secure. The disadvantage is the high complexity of the connection and the need to locate devices in the line of sight.

How to configure and connect a wireless network

Above we have considered what wireless networks are, and what their features are. But there remains an equally important question regarding setup and connection. Here much depends on the technology used. For example, new phones already have the necessary settings for 3G or 4G, or they are set automatically after receiving an SMS from the operator.

When it comes to WiFi, the following instructions should be followed:

• Make the necessary settings, set the login and password of the wireless network.
• Turn on the laptop, wait for the operating system to load and pay attention to the appearance of the Wi-Fi icon at the bottom right.

If the module is not enabled, you need to enter the control panel, go to the Network and Internet section, and then to Network Connections.

Now you need to turn on the Wai Fi. If the wireless icon does not appear on the bottom right, you need to download the necessary driver or update the existing program.

To connect automatically, go to the Control Center. Select the desired profile, enter the properties section and confirm the selection. Then select the Internet Protocol TCP/IPv4 and click on properties. Specify automatic obtaining of the address and save the specified parameters. If you have problems with the connection, check the router settings, the fact that the Wi-Fi is enabled on your PC or laptop.

Home : 16 comments

1. Dmitry Abramov17.05.2019 at 10:34 Hello, Boris.
   In general, no. They are fully compatible

1. Dmitry AbramovMay 17, 2019 at 10:38 Hello. The headphones do not turn on at all?
   The most trivial option – they are discharged and require recharging.
   If you try to charge, it is likely a failure of the device. Requires diagnosis wizard

1. Dmitry Abramov17.05.2019 at 10:40 Hello, Daria.
   Diagnostics and repair depend on the model of the accessory. Judging by the description of the problem, the matter is in the headphones. We recommend to contact the diagnostic center

1. Dmitry Abramov17.05.2019 at 10:28 Hello, Vladislav.
   It all depends on the router. If the equipment allows, you can configure the second router as an amplifier. And then there will be 1 network (one login and password).

1. Dmitry Abramov17.05.2019 at 10:23 Hello.
   It all depends on the region of your residence. Available from many online stores.

1. Dmitry Abramov15.07.2019 at 07:53 Hello!
   Passport is required by all hosting companies in order to register ownership.
   And about the refund… On what basis do you want your money back? Most likely the company will base it on the fact that there are no transfer conditions spelled out anywhere. So your expectations of site speed are just your expectations.

1. Dmitry Abramov22.11.2019 at 11:18 Hello, Boris.
   Perception of the text is unlikely to deteriorate from the use of headphones, especially because of the radiation. Here it's more likely that you just get used to grasp information more by ear, rather than visually.
   As far as radiation is concerned, Bluetooth headphones have a much weaker radiation than cell phones and even less than WiFi. It's a shame that many bloggers on the Internet and website owners are stirring up panic. We can only be glad that they don't yet advertise tinfoil hats.

Wi-Fi

Along with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi technology has become as ubiquitous in the field of wireless communications technology. However, it did not become popular all at once. The development of Wi-Fi technology began back in the 80s, but the final version was introduced only in 1997. Apple decided to use the new option on their laptops. The first network cards in iBooks.

The principle of operation of the Wi-Fi technology is as follows: a chip is built into the device which can provide reliable wireless synchronization with another such chip. If there are more than two devices, then it is necessary to use an access point.

A Wi-Fi access point is the wireless equivalent of a fixed router. Unlike the latter, the connection is made without wires, by means of radio waves. This makes it possible to connect several devices at once. Do not forget that when using a large number of devices data transfer speed will be significantly reduced. To protect data, Wi-Fi access points are protected by encryption. Without entering a password, it will not be possible to connect to such a data source.

The first Wi-Fi standard was adopted in 1997, but it never became widespread, because the data transfer rate was too low. Later came the 802.11a and 802.11b standards. The first gave transmission speeds of 54 Mbps, but worked at 5 GHz, which is not allowed everywhere. The second allowed networks to transmit at a maximum of 11 Mbps, which was not good enough. That's when 802.11g was born. This combined the previous two standards, allowing for a very fast network speed at 2.4 GHz. Standard 802.11y is an analogue of 802.11g, it has a longer range of networks (up to 5 km in open space).

LTE

This standard is currently the most promising, along with other global networks. Broadband mobile access gives the highest wireless packet data rates. In terms of operating frequency bandwidth, everything is ambiguous. The LTE standard is very flexible; networks can be based in the frequency range from 1.4 to 20 MHz.

The range of networks depends on the height of the base station and can reach 100 km. The ability to connect to networks is provided to a large number of gadgets: smartphones, tablets, laptops, game consoles and other devices that support this standard. The devices must have an LTE module built in, which works together with the available GSM and 3G standards. In the event of an LTE connection interruption, the device will switch to the available access to 3G or GSM networks without dropping the connection.

As for the data transfer speed, we can note the following: compared to 3G networks, it has increased by several times and reached 20 MBit/s. The introduction of a large number of gadgets equipped with LTE modules ensures the demand for this technology. New base stations are being installed, providing high-speed Internet access even in populated areas remote from megacities.

Let us consider the principle of operation of the fourth generation networks. Wireless packet transmission technology is carried out using the IP protocol. For fast and stable synchronization between the base station and the mobile station is formed as a frequency and time duplex. Due to a large number of combinations of paired frequency bands broadband connection of subscribers is possible.

The spread of LTE networks has reduced the tariffs for the use of mobile communications. The wide range of the network allows operators to save on expensive equipment.

Wireless security issues

Security issues are not just about transmitting information over the air. This is a global issue related to the operability of any system, and even more so in an open system. There is always a chance to listen to the air, remotely intercept the signal, hack the system and conduct an anonymous attack. To avoid unauthorized connection encryption methods are developed and applied, passwords for connection access are introduced, broadcasting of access point name (SSID) is forbidden, filter on connecting clients and other measures are set.

• "Outsiders" or unauthorized devices that have gained access to the access point bypassing security measures.
• The uncharacteristic nature of the connection allows mobile devices to automatically connect to a trusted (and sometimes not so trusted) network. Thus, to access the information, the attacker has the ability to switch the user to his access point with a subsequent attack or to find weaknesses in the protection.
• Vulnerabilities related to the configuration of networks and connected devices. Risk occurs when using weak security mechanisms, simple passwords, etc.
• Improperly configured access point. Many network users leave passwords, IP addresses, and other settings as they were configured at the factory. It's not difficult for a criminal to break into a protected zone, reconfigure the network equipment to fit his own needs and use the network resources.
• Cracking the network's crypto protection allows the information transmitted within the network to be used. To break the encryption now does not need to have special knowledge or skills. You can find a huge number of programs that scan and pick up security codes.

It should also be noted that hacking technologies are constantly improving, constantly finding new ways and options for attacks. There is also a great risk of information leakage, allowing you to know the topology of the network and options for connecting to it.

Advantages and disadvantages of wireless networks

The main advantage of transmitting information by air, derives from the very name of the technology. There is no need to lay a huge amount of extra wires. This significantly reduces the time to organize the network and the cost of installation. There is no need to buy a special license to use wifi networks, so you can be sure that a device complying with the 802.11 standard which was purchased in one part of the world will work in any other part.

Wireless networks are highly upgradeable and scalable. If you need to increase network coverage, just install one or more additional routers without having to change the entire system. In areas with uneven coverage, the client device will always switch to the point that has the best connection quality.

Among the disadvantages are security issues. All modern routers support several encryption protocols, it is possible to filter clients by MAC-addresses. Thus, with enough care you can organize the system the least exposed to risks. Another disadvantage is overlapping of coverage from different routers. In most cases this problem is solved by switching to another channel.

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