There are many areas that handle the concepts of technology in different ways, one of them is computer science, which is very extensive and rich in technological terms.
One of the most listened to and less understood terms is the concept of Wireless, which may have different interpretations depending on the knowledge you handle.
Therefore, in this article we will see a little what this concept means in computer science. But, we anticipate that it is a type of Internet connection, so we will also see the benefits of it.
Index:
What is and what is the meaning of Wireless in computing?
The word Wireless is originally from the English language and refers to any communication between two devices, without the need for a cable to establish it. Its meaning translates into wireless or wireless.
This word in computing is widely used for WiFi or Wireless LAN connections , but the truth is that it covers much more than we think. Due to its electromagnetic nature, Wireless applies to all types of communication that does not require any physical means to function.
So we can say that almost any computer and mobile uses this technology. This also includes the GPS or geolocation equipment.
They apply in the same way hardware complements of the computers such as the keyboard, the mouse, webcams, microphones, among others. To this list we can also add the remote controls for gates, doors, televisions and more.
How does a wireless or wireless connection work?
A wireless connection or Wireless network, works by transmitting the information with electromagnetic waves between different nodes of the fabric. The connection points at which the information is received and transmitted are called ports. Leaving radio waves out, there are 3 main waves when it comes to wireless connection.
We will know a little more in depth what are these types of waves with which a network of this type works:
- Terrestrial microwave: They work with frequencies from 1 to 300 GHz and as the name implies they are terrestrial or crawling, so to speak. These can cover large radii of kilometers but requires that there be access points between great distances so that there is no interference.
- Satellite microwave: This type of wave allows connection between several stations terrestrial, but before the signal goes from the receiver to the transmitter it rises to the satellite. Then it descends into the receiving station or port.
- Infrared: These types of waves range from 300 GHz to 384 THz, they are the least common since they cannot cross large spaces for connection and presents problems with obstacles.
Because a Wireless connection lacks physical means for the connection, except the transmitter and receiver of the network, we can see that electromagnetic waves can only travel and transmit data using antennas.
Wireless vs Wired: Which is better and how are they different?
Before we begin, we must emphasize that since Wireless refers to a wireless or wireless connection, Wired has been the opposite and refers to a wired or wired connection.
Now saying which one is better depends on the use, because although Wireless is more convenient and practical, has its limitations when transmitting data.
For example, the WiFi that most people currently use and that is considered as conventional does not allow you to exceed speeds of 350MB / s when it comes to network connection, so do not Demons one to exalt the other, it all depends on the needs of its use.
There are many factors that we must evaluate when it comes to these two forms of network connection, for this we will take as an example a large office in which we have many computers to supply with an Internet connection .
At the outset, in the economic part we find that it is much more accessible to buy an Internet service with Wireless, since as it is many computers, to use a Wired connection we would have to make a great investment in a few meters of network cable.
If we evaluate comfort we find that it is also much more comfortable to have a wireless connection, because it gives the team greater ease by not being tied to a cable. In addition, a Wireless connection allows other devices to connect, such as mobile phones, printers and scanners.
With respect to the navigation speed it is possible that with a Wired connection we can take greater advantage, because all the potential reaches the equipment through a cable and there is no probability of interference due to obstacles.
On the other hand, it should be added that the navigation speed on a Wireless connection is subject to a good signal. Although, this may vary depending on the power of the wireless network adapter of the equipment receiver.
Evaluating the aesthetics of the two forms of connection, we find that the Wireless connection is better visually, because as we mentioned, nothing is observed through, while, it will be much more tedious to find a good arrangement for a tangle of cables in a large office.
This is also clearly seen on desktop computers that have wireless mice and keyboards.
Finally, in the aspect of security, a Wired connection is much more secure and anti-intrusive, since in order to connect you must have access to the server room where the cables are connected. Adding also that for some people it can be very easy to violate a password of a WiFi connection.
What are all types of wireless networks implemented so far?
Wireless networks are classified according to coverage capacity and we can find 4 that are the most implemented:
Wireless personal area network – WPAN
This is the smallest known wireless connection with a distance of connection of no more than 10 meters. Note that all Bluetooth connections work with this protocol.
It is used for small and high-speed data transfer, it is very common to see it on mobiles, mice, keyboards and wireless printers.
Wirelles local area network WLAN
This is the popular WiFi, it has a wide range covering more than 15 kilometers of radio. It works through network adapters and access points on computers, mobiles and routers.
Wireless metropolitan area network WMAN
Works worldwide with microwaves and is much more powerful than WiFi in terms of bandwidth and bandwidth.
Wireless wide area network WWAN
This is the network technology that mobile phones use for data transfer. Known as Universal Mobile Telecommunications Systems or by its acronym UMTS, and includes all connections GPRS, EDGE, GSM, HSPA, 3G, 4G among others.
Wireless Standards
The frequencies most commonly used and commercially for connection to Wi-Fi networks are:
- 802.11a : approved in 1999, it brings together the original protocol set of the standard, operating with a 5Ghz band. The maximum speed is 54Mbit / s, although the speeds are usually around 20Mbit / s in practice.
- 802.11b : in this case, also ratified in 1999. With a band of 2.4Ghz, a frequency band quite widespread and used. The maximum transmission speed of 11Mbit / s, although in practice it is about 5.9Mbit / s.
- 802.11g : it is an evolution of the previous one, using the same frequency band but with a theoretical maximum speed of 54Mbit / s as the case of 802.11a. As usual, the average in practice or actual speed usually decreases to 22Mbit / s. In addition, there is a variant called 802.11g + that could reach up to 108Mbit / s.
- 802.11n : it appeared in 2004 as a new revision of the standard. The real speed in this case reaches up to 600 Mbit / s, so it represents an important performance jump compared to the previous ones. In addition, it can work in both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz, so it is compatible with all devices from previous editions.
- 802.11ac : it is the standard we usually find in the most modern electronic devices and the one that operates with the 5Ghz band. This standard supports speeds of up to 3.46Gbps allowing transfer speeds much higher than Wi-Fi N.