WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION
Now a days, wireless technology are very famous and popular among people. It was
established in the field of computer networking technologies for the last three years and
today they have grown rapidly and become a very good and useful source of
communication among people. There are lots of wireless technologies in use which helps
us to compete in the race of computer networking. Wireless technologies make
communication easy between different areas.
WIRELESS DEFINITION
Wireless is a term used to describe telecommunications in which electromagnetic
waves (rather than some form of wire) carry the signal over part or all of the
communication path. Some monitoring devices, such as intrusion alarms, employ
acoustic waves at frequencies above the range of human hearing; these are also
sometimes classified as wireless.

WIRELESS - CLASSIFICATION
Wireless can be divided into:
Fixed wireless -- the operation of wireless devices or systems in homes and offices, and
in particular, equipment connected to the Internet via specialized modems
Mobile wireless -- the use of wireless devices or systems aboard motorized, moving
vehicles; examples include the automotive cell phone and PCS (personal communications
services)
Portable wireless -- the operation of autonomous, battery-powered wireless devices or
systems outside the office, home, or vehicle; examples include handheld cell phones and
PCS units
IR wireless -- the use of devices that convey data via IR (infrared) radiation; employed in
certain limited-range communications and control systems
FIRST WIRELESS TRANSMISSION
The first wireless transmitters went on the air in the early 20th century using
radiotelegraphy (Morse code). Later, as modulation made it possible to transmit voices
and music via wireless, the medium came to be called "radio." With the advent of
television, fax, data communication, and the effective use of a larger portion of the
spectrum, the term "wireless" has been resurrected.
EXAMPLES OF WIRELESS EQUIPMENT
Common examples of wireless equipment in use today include:
Cellular phones and pagers -- provide connectivity for portable and mobile
applications, both personal and business
Global Positioning System (GPS) -- allows drivers of cars and trucks, captains of boats
and ships, and pilots of aircraft to ascertain their location anywhere on earth
Cordless computer peripherals -- the cordless mouse is a common example; keyboards
and printers can also be linked to a computer via wireless
Cordless telephone sets -- these are limited-range devices, not to be confused with cell
phones
Home-entertainment-system control boxes -- the VCR control and the TV channel
control are the most common examples; some hi-fi sound systems and FM broadcast
receivers also use this technology
Remote garage-door openers -- one of the oldest wireless devices in common use by
consumers; usually operates at radio frequencies

Two-way radios -- this includes Amateur and Citizens Radio Service, as well as
business, marine, and military communications
Baby monitors -- these devices are simplified radio transmitter/receiver units with
limited range
Satellite television -- allows viewers in almost any location to select from hundreds of
channels
Wireless LANs or local area networks -- provide flexibility and reliability for business
computer users
WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY IN PEOPLES LIFE
Wireless technology is rapidly evolving, and is playing an increasing role in the lives of
people throughout the world. In addition, ever-larger numbers of people are relying on
the technology directly or indirectly. (It has been suggested that wireless is overused in
some situations, creating a social nuisance.) More specialized and exotic examples of
wireless communications and control include:
Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) -- a digital mobile telephone system
used in Europe and other parts of the world; the de facto wireless telephone standard in
Europe
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) -- a packet-based wireless communication
service that provides continuous connection to the Internet for mobile phone and
computer users
Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) -- a faster version of the Global System
for Mobile (GSM) wireless service
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) -- a broadband, packet-based
system offering a consistent set of services to mobile computer and phone users no matter
where they are located in the world
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) -- a set of communication protocols to
standardize the way that wireless devices, such as cellular telephones and radio
transceivers, can be used for Internet access
i-Mode -- the world's first "smart phone" for Web browsing, first introduced in Japan;
provides color and video over telephone sets

TYPES OF WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY:

Due to easy approach to the networks and also in many appliances of the daily life,
wireless technology are of many types. Some important types of wireless technology are:

(i) Wi-fi technology:

Wi-fi is commonly called wireless LAN. It is one of those networks in which
high frequency radio waves are used for transmission of data from one place to another.
This technology woks on high frequency radio signals.

(ii) Voice communication:

In this type, all the types of technology related to the communication through the
voice is included such as communication through different types of cell phones, through
different wireless internet technology, etc.

(iii) Bluetooth technology:

Bluetooth technology is used to transmit the data from one device to another.
Bluetooth is a open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short
distances.

WORKING OF WIRELESS NETWORK:

A wireless network or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) serves the same purpose as
a wired one to link a group of computers. Because "wireless" doesn't require costly
wiring, the main benefit is that it's generally easier, faster and cheaper to set up.
By comparison, creating a network by pulling wires throughout the walls and ceilings of
an office can be labor-intensive and thus expensive. But even when you have a wired
network already in place, a wireless network can be a cost-effective way to expand or
augment it. In fact, there's really no such thing as a purely wireless network, because
most link back to a wired network at some point.
The Basics
Wireless networks operate using radio frequency (RF) technology, a frequency within the
electromagnetic spectrum associated with radio wave propagation. When an RF current is
supplied to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is created that then is able to propagate
through space.
The cornerstone of a wireless network is a device known as an access point (AP). The
primary job of an access point is to broadcast a wireless signal that computers can detect
and "tune" into. Since wireless networks are usually connected to wired ones, an access

point also often serves as a link to the resources available on the a wired network, such as
an Internet connection.
In order to connect to an access point and join a wireless network, computers must be
equipped with wireless network adapters. These are often built right into the computer,
but if not, just about any computer or notebook can be made wireless-capable through the
use of an add-on adapter plugged into an empty expansion slot, USB port, or in the case
of notebooks, a PC Card slot.
Wireless Technology Standards
Because there are multiple technology standards for wireless networking, it pays to do
your homework before buying any equipment. The most common wireless technology
standards include the following:
802.11b: The first widely used wireless networking technology, known as 802.11b
(more commonly called Wi-Fi), first debuted almost a decade ago, but is still in
use.
802.11g: In 2003, a follow-on version called 802.11g appeared offering greater
performance (that is, speed and range) and remains today's most common wireless
networking technology.
802.11n: Another improved standard called 802.11n is currently under
development and is scheduled to be complete in 2009. But even though the
802.11n standard has yet to be finalized, you can still buy products based on the
draft 802.11n standard, which you will be able to upgrade later to the final
standard.
All of the Wi-Fi variants (802.11b, g and n products) use the same 2.4 GHz radio
frequency, and as a result are designed to be compatible with each other, so you can
usually use devices based on the different standards within the same wireless network.
The catch is that doing so often requires special configuration to accommodate the earlier
devices, which in turn can reduce the overall performance of the network. In an ideal
scenario you'll want all your wireless devices, the access point and all wireless-capable
computers, to be using the same technology standard and to be from the same vendor
whenever possible.
Wireless Speed & Range
When you buy a piece of wireless network hardware, it will often quote performance
figures (i.e., how fast it can transmit data) based on the type of wireless networking
standard it uses, plus any added technological enhancements. In truth, these performance
figures are almost always wildly optimistic.
While the official speeds of 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n networks are 11, 54, and 270
megabits per second (Mbps) respectively, these figures represent a scenario that.s simply
not attainable in the real world. As a general rule, you should assume that in a best-case
scenario you.ll get roughly one-third of the advertised performance.

It's also worth noting that a wireless network is by definition a shared network, so the
more computers you have connected to a wireless access point the less data each will be
able to send and receive. Just as a wireless network's speed can vary greatly, so too can
the range. For example, 802.11b and g officially work over a distance of up to 328 feet
indoors or 1,312 feet outdoors, but the key term there is "up to". Chances are you won't
see anywhere close to those numbers.
As you might expect, the closer you are to an access point, the stronger the signal and the
faster the connection speed. The range and speed you get out of wireless network will
also depend on the kind of environment in which it operates. And that brings us to the
subject of interference.
Wireless Interference
Interference is an issue with any form of radio communication, and a wireless network is
no exception. The potential for interference is especially great indoors, where different
types of building materials (concrete, wood, drywall, metal, glass and so on) can absorb
or reflect radio waves, affecting the strength and consistency of a wireless network's
signal. Similarly, devices like microwave ovens and some cordless phones can cause
interference because they operate in the same 2.4 frequency range as 802.11b/g/n
networks. You can't avoid interference entirely, but in most cases it's not significant
enough to affect the usability of the network. When it does, you can usually minimize the
interference by relocating wireless networking hardware or using specialized antennas.
Data Security on Wireless Networks
In the same way that all you need to pick up a local radio station is a radio, all anyone
needs to detect a wireless network within nearby range is a wireless-equipped computer.
There's no way to selectively hide the presence of your network from strangers, but you
can prevent unauthorized people from connecting to it, and you can protect the data
traveling across the network from prying eyes. By turning on a wireless network's
encryption feature, you can scramble the data and control access to the network.
Wireless network hardware supports several standard encryption schemes, but the most
common are Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2). WEP is the oldest and least secure method and should be
avoided. WPA and WPA2 are good choices, but provide better protection when you use
longer and more complex passwords (all devices on a wireless network must use the
same kind of encryption and be configured with the same password).
Unless you intend to provide public access to your wireless network and put your
business data or your own personal data at risk you should consider encryption
mandatory.

TYPES OF WIRELESS NETWORK:

(i) LAN Local Area Network:
LAN connects networking devices within short span of area such as short offices,
home, etc.

(ii) WAN Wide Area Network:

WAN can cover large distance for communication between computers. Internet ia an
example of WAN.

(iii) Wireless Local Area Network:

A local area network based on wireless network technology is mostly refered as
Wi-Fi. In WLAN, no wires are used but radio signals are the medium for communication.
Wireless network cards are required to be installed in the systems for accessing any
wireless network around.

(iv) CAN - Campus Area Network:

Networking spanning with multiple LANs but smaller than a MAN. This kind of
network are mostly used in relatively large universities or local business offices.

EFFECT OF WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY ON HEALTH:

As we all know that electromagnetic field is generated during the data transmission
from the wireless devices. Basically health sometimes effected with the wireless devices
because different types of microwaves are used in the communication from one place to
another. Wireless devices are developed for the sake of convenience and better or faster
networking. They have a very good effect on the health because wireless devices can save
the time and expense required for typical broadband connection. Wireless devices made
the life easier as compared to wired devices. Mobility is the main factor of convenience
in the life.

SECURITY:
Security is a major issue of wireless networks. To protect the network, password
should be ensured specially when you are browsing the internet and logging in with your
secret information.

CONVENIENCE:
It helps in faster searching. You can use your internet facility conveniently. You are
free from using wired or cabled networks so you can log in anywhere in the world
through signals.

PREVENTION OF WIRELESS NETWORK HACKING:

Where there are different techniques to hack the wireless networks, some protection
techniques are also used, that is, by encryption of the wireless traffic of wireless
networks, password protection and change the default name and password of SSID.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY

Advantages

Mobility user device can be moved easily within the wireless range
Neat and easy Installation since no cable running here and there, just start up the
wireless device and youre ready to rumble
Less cost for cabling infrastructure and device
More user supported cable device have limited slots whereas wireless does not.

Disadvantages

Relatively lower bandwidth speed example: although currently 802.11/n could

reach 128 Mbps, UTP cable can reach 1 Gbps. And more user mean each
bandwidth get smaller. That is why currently wired backbone network is still
preferred.
Ease of access means more security also necessary to protect data and/or
bandwidth, since people can connect anywhere within range without seeking
network plug.

LIMITATIONS:
While entering in website when you use the wireless connection through cell
phones, various websites allow you their standard version in which low functionality
exists.

WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES TRENDS IN FUTURE

DLNA
DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is an innovation that is sure to catch the
attention of media enthusiasts. It is a communication technology that allows devices to

share content over an existing wired/wireless network. DLNA-enabled devices range

from smartphones, tablets, televisions, gaming consoles, media players and cameras. Not
only does it allows live streaming and easy sharing of music, video, and photos; it even
supports printing over the network. Once connected to the network, DLNA-enabled
devices detect each other easily and allow for seamless sharing with no setup required.
Many smartphones like Nokia N8, Samsung Galaxy S II, HTC Sensation and Sony
Ericsson Xperia Arc S come with DLNA integrated. Media players like Western Digital's
TV Live Hub have it too. It can be enabled on most tablets by installing apps.
Wi-Fi Direct
To connect two devices wirelessly, you would typically require a Wi-Fi setup in which a
router broadcasts a network and your devices - be it a PC, phone, laptop, netbook, or TV all connect to the router. The router in turn, acts as starting point, enabling connected
devices to communicate with each other.
Opposed to this conventional way, with Wi-Fi Direct, compatible devices can connect
directly by generating their own wireless network. While most devices across gadget
categories (TV, Printers, etc.) have Wi-Fi connectivity in-built as an option, moving
forward, Wi-Fi Direct will be the easiest way to share data.
Devices like Samsung's Galaxy S/ SII and LG Optimus Black P970 and even printers that
can work with Wi-Fi Direct are available in the market.
Near Field Communications
NFC, or Near Field communications is a technology that uses magnetic fields to connect
devices. It is a short range wireless technology that can work up till a few centimetres. It
is very fast and takes just a second to connect to a NFC-ready device when within range.
It can be used for financial transactions, sharing content, streaming multimedia, initiating
multiplayer gaming, pairing Bluetooth and to read various NFC tags for identification,
coupons, advertisements and so on. Googles recently launched 'Wallet' is a great
example that highlights the growth of mobile payments via NFC.
Devices such as Samsung's Nexus S, most of the Blackberry OS7 range and new Nokia
Symbian range have NFC integrated.
4G
Although 3G is still far from seeing mass adoption, there are already talks of 4G arriving
in India next year.
LTE, WiMax and HSPA+ are the three technologies that come the aegis of 4G because of
their ability to transfer fast data.
What matters the most here is that 2G and 3G work for both voice and data while 4G
works only for data transfer. The noticeable improvement that 4G would offer over 3G is
better coverage area and higher browsing speeds of up to 100mbps (depending upon the
device used).

Since it works using a wider frequency range of 2 - 8Ghz, data transfer speeds are not
that affected by number of users. For 4G a whole set of new devices across categories
will be required to be launched in India as there is no device in the market that can
actually utilize 4G connectivity.
Wi-Fi 802.11ac
Wi-fi is one of the best wireless technologies for data transfer. Currently in its 4th
generation, Wi-Fi is differentiated on the basis of standards 802.11b, 802.11g and
802.11n - with 802.11n being the latest, capable of speeds of up to 600 Mbps and offering
extended range. It works using the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz channel. Now, Wi-Fi will step into
its 5th generation with the 802.11ac standard.
The new standard dictates a theoretical maximum transfer speed of up to 3.6 Gbps and
uses the 5Ghz channel for data transfers. It will improve upon signal range, will support
better connectivity with multiple devices and consume less power - so important for the
battery powered smartphones and laptops of tomorrow.
This standard will also make it easier to stream full HD videos and transfer large amounts
of data between devices wirelessly. Devices featuring this new standard of Wi-Fi are
expected to be demonstrated/launched at the upcoming CES 2012 expo by Broadcom and
various other device manufacturers.

CONCLUSION:
Wireless technologies have faster speed without the involvement of cables. Mobility is
the major advantage. Configuration and the installation of the wireless technology is
much less as compared to wired technology. So wireless technologies make
communication easy between different areas.