Types of Wireless Data Transmission

Wireless technology defines the electronic devices that communicate in air without cables using radio
frequency signals. Wireless technology is used in a variety of modern device and provides greater
mobility. Wireless devices play an important role in voice and Internet communications.

Wireless Router
Wireless routers accepts an incoming Internet connection and sends the data as RF signals to other
wireless devices that are near to the router. A network set up with a wireless router is called as a
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN).Many routers have built-in security features such as firewalls
that help protect devices connected to the router against malicious data such as computer viruses.

Wireless Router

A wireless router is used in many houses to connect their computers to the Internet.

Wireless Adapters
Wireless adapters are hardware devices that are installed inside computers which enables wireless
connectivity. If a computer does not have a wireless adapter, it will not be able to connect to a router in
order to access the Internet. Some computers have wireless adapters built directly into the
motherboard, while it is also possible to install stand-alone wireless adapters to add wireless capability
to a computer that doesn’t have a built-in facility.

Wireless Repeater
A wireless repeater is a wireless networking device that is used to extend the range of a wireless router.
A repeater receives wireless signals and amplifies the strength of the signals, and then re-emits them.
The strength of the signal can be increased by placing a repeater between the router and the computer
connected to the router.

Wireless Repeater

Microwave
Microwave is an effective type of wireless data transmission that transfers information using two
separate methods. One method which is used to transmit data through the wireless media of a
microwave is the satellite method that transmits information via a satellite that orbits 22,300 miles
above the Earth. Stations on the ground send and receive data signals to and from the satellite with a
frequency ranging from 11 GHz to 14 GHz and with a transmission speed of 1 Mbps to 10 Mbps.
Another method is a terrestrial method, in which two microwave towers with a clear line of sight
between them are used ensuring no obstacles to disrupt that line of sight. For the purpose of privacy, it
is used often. The frequency of data transmission for terrestrial systems is typically 4 GHz to 6 GHz or
21 GHz to 23 GHz, and the speed is usually 1 megabit per second (Mbps) to 10 Mbps.
Infrared (IR)
Infrared is a media transmission system that transmits data signals through light emitting diodes
(LEDs) or Lasers. Infrared is an electromagnetic energy at a wavelength which is longer than that of
the red light. The information cannot be travelled through obstacles in an infrared system, but can be
inhibited by light. One type of infrared is the point to point system in which transmission is possible
between two points limited to a range and line of sight.

The signal frequency to transmit in a point to point system is 100 GHz to 1,000 terahertz (THz), and
the speed ranges from 100 Kbps to 16 Mbps. Another method of transmission of infrared includes the
broadcast system – and, in this method, a reflective material or a transmission unit amplifies and
retransmits a data signal to several other units. The normal frequency of an infrared broadcast system
is 100 GHz to 1,000 THz with a limited speed of 1 Mbps.

Infrared

Types of Wireless Devices

Radio
The radio system is one type of wireless data transmission, and it is a wireless media that transfers data
by carrying electromagnetic waves with low frequencies to distant locations through an electrical
conductor and an antenna. Ham radio enthusiasts share information and serve as emergency
communication aids during disasters with their powerful amateur broadcasting equipment and can
even communicate digital data over the radio spectrum.

Citizen’s band and maritime radios provide communication services for truckers and sailors. The
transmission frequency for information transmitted through a radio system ranges from 10 kilohertz
(kHz) to 1 gigahertz (GHz), and the frequencies are regulated by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC).

Radio

Wireless Phones
The evolution of cellular networks is enumerated by generations. Many different users communicate
across a single frequency band through Cellular and cordless phones. Cellular and cordless phones are
two more examples of devices that make use of wireless signals.

Cordless phones have a limited range but cell phones typically have a much larger range than the local
wireless networks since cell phone use large telecommunication towers to provide cell phone
coverage. Some phones make use of signals from satellites to communicate, similar to Global
Positioning System (GSP) devices.

Wireless Phones
Other Devices
Anything that uses radio signals to communicate can be considered as a wireless device. Common
devices such as garage door openers, baby monitors, certain video game consoles and walkie-talkies
make use of wireless technology.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wireless Communications

Advantages
​Any information can be conveyed or transmitted quickly and with a high speed.
​ The Internet can be accessed from anywhere and at anytime without the need to carry cables or
wires and it improves easy access and productivity.
​ Helpful for Doctors, workers and other professionals working in remote areas as they can be in
touch with the medical centers through wireless communication.
​ Emergency situations can be alerted through wireless communication. The affected regions can
be provided support with the help of these alerts through wireless communication.
​Wireless networks cost less for installation and maintenance.

Disadvantages
​A Hacker can easily capture the wireless signals that spread through the air.
​ It is very important to secure the wireless network so that the information cannot be exploited
by unauthorized users, and this also increases the risk of losing data or information.

Thus, Wireless networks are one of the fastest growing technologies in telecommunications market.
WiMax, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Femtocell and 4G are some of the most significant standards of Wireless
technology for the next generations. Radio, Mobiles, Internet, etc., all use technological advancements
in wireless data transmission systems that carry invisible electromagnetic waves to transmit data over
long distances within a short amount of time. The information provided in this article will be helpful to
the viewers.