Wireless technology provides the ability to communicate between two or more entities over distances without the use of wires or cables of any sort.
The medium of wireless communications features the use of radio frequency (RF) as well as infrared (IR) waves.
Today, wireless technology encompasses such diverse communication devices as garage-door openers, baby monitors, walkie-talkies and cellular telephones, as well as transmission systems such as point-to-point microwave links, wireless internet service, and satellite communications.
In reality, wireless is a broad term encompassing all sorts of technologies and devices.
Wireless communications travel over the air via electromagnetic waves. The FCC regulates radio frequency bands in this spectrum, ensuring that they do not get too crowded and that wireless devices and services operate reliably.
Networking technologies that connect multiple computers and devices without wires, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN), also fall under the wireless umbrella. Often, these devices are referred to by the catch-all term “Wi-Fi,” which is trademarked by the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Wi-Fi covers technologies that incorporate 802.11 standards, such as 802.11g or 802.11ac network cards and wireless routers.
Wireless on its own is typically used to refer to products and services from the cellular telecommunications industry. CTIA, the Wireless Association, for example, is comprised of wireless carriers, such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint, and cellphone manufacturers like LG and Samsung. Different wireless protocols and phone standards include CDMA, GSM, EV-DO, 3G, 4G, and 5G.
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Wireless Fundamentals Training Course, a 2-day course that covers all the important aspects of wireless networks, applications and services. Let Tonex clarify and explain the complex nature of wireless systems and standards.
Wireless Fundamentals is an introduction to Wireless technology for engineers and non-engineers.
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