Wireless Technology Standards and Internet Connectivity Methods

Wireless Technology Fundamentals

Wireless technology allows the connection of multiple devices using radio frequency or infrared waves. Low-power radio waves are generally unregulated; however, high-power usage requires a permit from the state.

Differences with Mobile Technology

Mobile technology allows users to move freely from one location to another, offering continuous opportunities for wireless connection.

Wireless Network Classification

• UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)
• PCS (Personal Communication Services)
• 3G (Third Generation)
• Extensive Networks (Wireless, ATM, UMTS)
• LAN (Wireless Ethernet, HIPERLAN)
• Personal Area Network (Bluetooth, 802.15)

Key Wireless Protocols

Bluetooth

A radio frequency technology that interconnects devices located at a distance of up to 10 meters.

Wi-Fi

A medium-range wireless technology using radio frequencies defined by the 802.11 standards (802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g).

WiMAX (802.16)

Designed to cover an entire metropolitan area via base stations scattered around the city.

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)

A technology bridging 2G and 3G. It transmits data through mobile telephony networks at speeds up to 114 kbps.

3G (Third Generation)

Allows connection to the internet with typical data rates of 384 kbps.

IrDA (Infrared Data Association)

A technology utilizing light rays in the infrared spectrum. It allows bidirectional communication between two endpoints at speeds ranging from 9600 bps to 4 Mbps.

HIPERLAN (High Performance Radio LAN)

A multimedia wireless network standard.

HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access)

An optimization of the spectral efficiency of UMTS/WCDMA technology.

Internet Access Routes and Technologies

Narrowband Access

The most common method uses a modem (typically up to 256 kbps), which adapts digital signals from the computer to analog signals suitable for telephone lines.

Broadband Access

Broadband allows for the simultaneous transmission of data signals and voice calls. It represents a transition from analog to digital transmission, where packetized data utilizes available bandwidth to travel online.

Specific Access Technologies

Modem

Allows the transmission of a digital data stream through an analog signal.

Modem Types

• Internal Modems: Integrated onto an expansion card.
• External Modems: Connecting via traditional ports.
• PC Card Modems.
• USB Modems: Often do not require an external power supply.

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)

A high-speed digital line technology relying on the twisted pair wiring of a conventional telephone line. It is a broadband technology utilizing a frequency band between 300–3400 Hz. It is asymmetric, meaning download speeds and upload speeds do not match. It uses three channels of communication: sending data, receiving data, and phone service.

PLC (Power Line Communication)

A data transmission network that uses existing electrical infrastructure. It is a high-bandwidth communication technology providing uninterrupted network connection and simultaneous voice and data transmission.

PLC Types

• PLOC (Power Line Outdoor Communication): External/Outdoor networks.
• PLIC (Power Line Indoor Communication): Internal/In-home networks.

Cable Modem

A type of modem used to modulate the data signal received from a cable television network.

Wi-Fi and WiMAX

These wireless technologies are also utilized as primary internet access routes.