Wireless network refers to any type of computer network that is wireless, and is commonly associated with a telecommunications network whose interconnections between nodes is implemented without the use of wires, such as a computer network (a type of communications network). A computer network is a group of interconnected Computers. Networks may be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics Wireless communication is the transfer of information over a distance without the use of electrical conductors or " Wires quot A telecommunications network is a network of Telecommunications links and nodes arranged so that messages may be passed from one part of the network to another over The term node as used in the field of telecommunications refers to an active electronic device that is capable of sending receiving or forwarding information over a communications channel A computer network is a group of interconnected Computers. Networks may be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics ^[1] Wireless telecommunications networks are generally implemented with some type of remote information transmission system that uses electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves, for the carrier and this implementation usually takes place at the physical level or "layer" of the network. Electromagnetic radiation takes the form of self-propagating Waves in a Vacuum or in Matter. Radio waves are electromagnetic waves occurring on the Radio frequency portion of the Electromagnetic spectrum. In Telecommunications, a carrier wave, or carrier is a Waveform (usually Sinusoidal) that is modulated (modified with an input signal ^[2]

Types

Wireless LAN

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is similar to other wireless devices and uses radio instead of wires to transmit data back and forth between computers on the same network. A wireless LAN or WLAN is a Wireless Local area network, which is the linking of two or more computers or devices without using wires

Screenshots of Wi-Fi Network connections in Microsoft Windows. A screenshot, screen capture, or screen dump is an Image taken by the Computer to record the visible items displayed on the monitor Microsoft Windows is a series of Software Operating systems and Graphical user interfaces produced by Microsoft. Figure 1, left, shows that not all networks are encrypted (locked unless you have the code, or key), which means anyone in range can access them. Figures 2 and 3, middle and right, however, show that many networks are encrypted.

• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a commonly used wireless network in computer systems which enable connection to the internet or other machines that have Wi-Fi functionalities. Wi-Fi (ˈwaɪfaɪ is the trade name for the popular wireless technology used Wi-Fi networks broadcast radio waves that can be picked up by Wi-Fi receivers that are attached to different computers or mobile phones.
• Fixed Wireless Data: Fixed wireless data is a type of wireless data network that can be used to connect two or more buildings together in order to extend or share the network bandwidth without physically wiring the buildings together. Fixed Wireless is the operation of Wireless devices or systems used to connect two fixed locations (e

Wireless MAN

Wireless Metropolitan area networks are type of wireless network that connects several Wireless LANs. Metropolitan area network s or MAN s are large Computer networks usually spanning a city

• WiMAX is the term used to refer to wireless MANs and is covered in IEEE 802. WiMAX, an approximate acronym of Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a Telecommunications technology that provides for the wireless transmission 16d/802. 16e.

Mobile devices networks

• Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM): The GSM network is divided into three major systems which are :the switching system, the base station system, and the operation and support system (Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)). GSM ( Global System for Mobile communications: originally from Groupe Spécial Mobile) is the most popular standard for Mobile phones in the The cell phone connects to the base system station which then connects to the operation and support station; it then connects to the switching station where the call is transferred where it needs to go (Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)). This is used for cellular phones, is the most common standard and is used for a majority of cellular providers. ^[3]
• Personal Communications Service (PCS): PCS is a radio band that can be used by mobile phones in North America. Personal Communications Service or PCS is the name for the 1900  MHz radio band used for Digital Mobile phone services in Sprint happened to be the first service to set up a PCS.
• D-AMPS: D-AMPS, which stands for Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service, is an upgraded version of AMPS but it is being phased out due to advancement in technology. IS-54 and IS-136 are second-generation ( 2G) mobile phone systems known as Digital AMPS (D-AMPS The newer GSM networks are replacing the older system.

Uses

An embedded RouterBoard 112 with U.FL-RSMA pigtail and R52 mini PCI Wi-Fi card widely used by wireless Internet service providers (WISPs) in the Czech Republic. An embedded system is a special-purpose Computer system designed to perform one or a few dedicated functions often with Real-time computing constraints UFL, also known as IPEX, IPAX, MHF, or AMC, is a miniature Coaxial RF connector for high-frequency signals up to 6 GHz SMA ( SubMiniature version A) connectors are Coaxial RF connectors developed in the 1960s as a minimal connector interface for Coaxial Mini PCI is a standard for a Computer bus for attaching peripheral devices to a Computer Motherboard and is an adaptation of Wi-Fi (ˈwaɪfaɪ is the trade name for the popular wireless technology used Wireless communication is the transfer of information over a distance without the use of electrical conductors or " Wires quot The Internet is a global system of interconnected Computer networks Wireless Internet Service Providers ( WISPs) are Internet service providers with networks built around Wireless networking The technology used ranges from The Czech Republic ( ˈt͡ʃɛskaː ˈrɛpuˌblɪka short form in Česko ˈt͡ʃɛskɔ also called Czechia,

Wireless networks have had a significant impact on the world as far back as World War II. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including Through the use of wireless networks, information could be sent overseas or behind enemy lines easily, effieciently and more reliably. Since then wireless networks have continued to develop and its uses have significantly grown. Cellular phones are part of huge wireless network systems. People use these phones daily to communicate with one another. Sending information over seas is possible through wireless network systems using satellites and other signals to communicate across the world. Emergency services such as the police department utilize wireless networks to communicate important information quickly. Emergency services are organizations which ensure Public safety by addressing different emergencies People and businesses use wireless networks to send and share data quickly whether it be in a small office building or across the world. ^[4]

Another important use for wireless networks is as an inexpensive and rapid way to be connected to the Internet in countries and regions where the telecom infrastructure is poor or there is a lack of resources, like most developing countries. The Internet is a global system of interconnected Computer networks Developing countries are countries that haven't reached Western-style standards of democratic government free market economy industrialization social programs and human rights guaranties

Compatibility issues also arise when dealing with wireless networks. Different components not made by the same company may not work together, or might require extra work to fix compatibility issues. Wireless networks are typically slower than those that are directly connected through an Ethernet cable. Ethernet is a family of frame -based Computer networking technologies for Local area networks (LANs

A wireless network is more vulnerable because anyone can try to break into a network broadcasting a signal. Many networks offer WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy - security systems which have been found to be vulnerable to intrusion. Wired Equivalent Privacy ( WEP) is a deprecated Algorithm to secure IEEE 802 Though WEP does block some intruders, the security problems have caused some businesses to stick with wired networks until security can be improved. Another type of security for wireless networks is WPA - Wi-Fi Protected Access. Wi-Fi Protected Access ( WPA and WPA2) is a certification program administered by the Wi-Fi Alliance to indicate compliance with the security protocol created by the WPA provides more security to wireless networks than a WEP security set up. The use of firewalls will help with security breaches which can help to fix security problems in some wireless networks that are more vulnerable.

Environmental concerns and health hazard

In recent time there are increased concerns and research linking usage of wireless communications with poor concentration, memory loss, nausea, premature senility and even cancer. ^[5] Questions of safety have been raised, citing that long term exposure to electromagnetic radiation of the sort emitted by wireless networks may someday prove to be dangerous. ^[6]

See also

• Exposed terminal problem
• Physical layer
• Public Safety Network
• Wireless community network
• Warchalking
• Wireless LAN
• Wireless LAN client comparison

References

External links

• Wireless at the Open Directory Project
• Securing a Wireless Network