Chapter 18 - Wireless Networking

Abstract

Wireless networking, or more generally “wireless communications,” refers to the transmission of signals through a wireless medium, such as air or space, instead of through a physical cable. Wireless communications signals are transmitted and received via antennae. More specifically, a transmitting antenna radiates electromagnetic waves into the air and a receiving antenna collects these waves from the air. Each different type of communications style involves a different type of wireless network. There are also different wireless network technologies associated with each network such as the Bluetooth Technology. It is a short-range wireless technology that enables any Bluetooth-enabled device to communicate with each other via radio links. It enables mobile PCs, mobile phones, and other portable telecommunications devices to be interconnected via short-range radio links instead of conventional and often inconvenient cable attachments. It provides a radio interface connection instead of a cable attachment. The primary advantages of any wireless communications strategy include fast setup times and convenience. Installing a wireless infrastructure is easier and faster than installing a wired infrastructure. There is no need to drill through walls or lay cables—two very time consuming and messy tasks.