Wireless networking is a demanding field with the increasing use of mobile communication equipment. These techniques provide high-speed voice, video and data communication facilities regardless of your location, even while you are on the move.

Technologies used

A number of different technologies are available to form an operational wireless network. These technologies characterize different pros and cons with suitability for diverse types of requirements. Following is a collection of some of the well-established wireless communication technologies.

WLAN: Wireless Local Area Network or WLAN is a way of substituting the traditional wired LAN devices in a normal office environment. With the growing use of portable computers within organizations, it will allow the employees to select an available network at home or at workplace at better convenience, without worrying about plugging-in wires.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi networks are accessible mostly in public locations such as airports, hotels, and restaurants. These locations are commonly known as Wi-Fi "Hot-Spots". Wi-Fi networks permit users to connect to public networks such as the Internet. Most of the modern cellular phones, printers and even game consoles support the technology. WiMAX is the term used to refer wireless Metropolitan Area Network, which expands the network capabilities into a single municipality area.

Bluetooth: Bluetooth is a technology invented by Ericsson Inc. that is especially suitable for Personal Area Networks or PANs. Bluetooth is a digital wireless protocol, which is again supported by many modern electronic appliances such as PCs and laptops, cellular phones, printers, digital cameras, GPS receivers and game consoles. Bluetooth features ease of configuration and moderate data transfer speeds.

Advantages of wireless networking

The most prominent advantage of wireless networking is its potential to tolerate user mobility without losing communication. It also offers a good mechanism of reaching clients of an urban area with less infrastructure support. Wireless networking methods are also suitable for improbable-wiring locations such as in city-parks, cafes and recreational areas.

Speed and distance limitations

There are certain limitations in wireless communication in the aspect of speed and distance. It is obvious that the services are available only in the coverage area of a wireless transceiver. In addition, the disturbances and speed fall may increase with the distance. Some of the technologies still provide restrained levels of bandwidth even in close ranges. Signal distortion or block may also occur within city areas, due to the reflection of electro-magnetic waves by high-rise buildings.

Security concerns

Security protocols with some of the wireless communication technologies are still under development. Most of these technologies will offer reasonable amounts of security according to the working standards, but needs more power to face growing security risks.

Summary

Wireless networking is a rapidly growing technology, presenting many advantages for the users. It increases the mobility of the users, while simultaneously maintaining high-speed network connectivity. Wireless networking technologies will continue to evolve with higher transfer speeds, higher coverage technologies and higher security approaches in the future.