Appendix A - Wireless Basics
How does wireless work?
Wireless works similar to how cordless phone work, through radio signals to transmit data from one point A to point B. But wireless technology has restrictions as to how you can access the network. You must be within the wireless network range area to be able to connect your computer. There are two different types of wireless networks: Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN).
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
In a wireless local area network, a device called an Access Point (AP) connects computers to the network. The access point has a small antenna attached to it, which allows it to transmit data back and forth over radio signals. With an indoor access point, the signal can travel up to 300 feet. With an outdoor access point the signal can reach out up to 30 miles to serve places like manufacturing plants, industrial locations, college and high school campuses, airports, golf courses, and many other outdoor venues.
Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)
Bluetooth is the industry standard wireless technology used for WPAN. Bluetooth devices in WPAN operate in a range up to 30 feet away. Compared to WLAN the speed and wireless operation range are both less than WLAN, but in return it doesn’t use nearly as much power which makes it ideal for personal devices, such as mobile phones, PDAs, headphones, laptops, speakers, and other devices that operate on batteries.
Who uses wireless?
Wireless technology as become so popular in recent years that almost everyone is using it, whether it’s for home, office, business,
Home
•Gives everyone at home broadband access
•Surf the web, check email, instant message, and etc
•Gets rid of the cables around the house
•Simple and easy to use
Small Office and Home Office
•Stay on top of everything at home as you would at office
•Remotely access your office network from home
•Share Internet connection and printer with multiple computers
•No need to dedicate office space
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