Wireless: what is it in computer technology?

Recently, among users of computer terminals, laptops or mobile devices, the question is becoming more and more frequent: "Wireless - what is it?". Let's look at this topic and give the basic definitions.

Wireless: what is this in the general sense?

To start from the beginning we will from the very definition and translation of the word from English. It is formed from the word wire (cable, cord, wire) and ending -less, which when added to the original word means "no", "no", etc.

Actually, hence we can conclude that wireless, in fact, means "wireless". Today this concept is more applied 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 used to install wireless communication, 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 stationary computers, Wi-Fi -modules in mobile gadgets, as well as means of establishing a connection via Bluetooth (they also belong to the category of wireless technologies).

It goes without saying that the principles of their work are somewhat different, as are the methods of installation and customization. For example, the router, depending on the model, can provide distribution of IP-addresses to several devices, and the range of action ranges from 10-100 m in the line of sight. USB adapters and fixed devices based on the PCI bus connect directly to computers or laptops and are able to provide wireless communication only for terminals that are directly connected. As it is already clear, there is no need to speak about the range or availability of the signal for other devices. Although using some models, you can arrange the distribution yourself from your own computer or laptop. But we do not touch upon this issue.

Wireless networks and additional means

The concept of "wireless network" (Wireless Network) appeared relatively recently. Speaking of computer technologies, there are two main categories of networks: Wi-Fi and WiMAX.

It goes without saying that when installing communication in such networks, different technologies are used. As a rule, Wi-Fi networks use so-called unlicensed frequencies and are limited in the coverage radius, which usually does not exceed 100 m. Naturally, much depends on the power of the distributing equipment, say, the router brand.

There is one more concept of wireless. What is this in terms of WiMAX networks? This is, first of all, the use of licensed signal transmission frequencies and covering tens of kilometers. True, among the ordinary users of such networks, special distribution networks were not received simply because of their high cost (equipment, installation, maintenance, subscriber tariffs, etc.).

Considering the theme "Wireless: what is it?", You can not ignore the wireless means of Bluetooth data transmission. Of course, in most cases, such modules are not suitable for Internet access, but for fast transfer of files and data are very good. True, here again it is necessary to take into account the limitation on the radius of action, which usually does not exceed the indicator of 10 m.

Conclusion

Here is a brief summary of what wireless technologies are. In this case, we have considered only the computer world, and in fact few think about the fact that mobile communication is also essentially related to what is commonly called wireless technology. Even in everyday life we encounter them almost every day. Take at least a conventional remote control of household appliances. Here, the transmission capabilities of the control and receiving signal are based on the capabilities of the infrared port. However, you can continue this list for a long time.