What is Wireless Communication?
Wireless Communication involves the transmission of information over a distance without the help of wires, cables or any other forms of electrical conductors. It is a term that connecting and communicating between two or more devices using a wireless signal through wireless communication technologies and devices.
The transmitted distance can be anywhere between a few meters (for example: a television’s remote control) and thousands of kilometers (for example: radio communication).Wireless communication can be used for cellular telephony, wireless access to the internet, wireless home networking, and so on.
Applications of Wireless Communication:
- GPS Units
- Wireless keyboard-mouse
- Wireless Headsets
- Radio Receivers
- Satellite Television
- Broadcast Television
- Cordless Telephones
- Wireless LANs and PANs
- and So many…
A simplified reference model
The figure shows the protocol stack implemented in the system according to the reference model. End-systems, such as the PDA and computer in the example, need a full protocol stack comprising the application layer, transport layer, network layer, data link layer, and physical layer.
Applications on the end-systems communicate with each other using the lower layer services. Intermediate systems, such as the interworking unit, do not necessarily need all of the layers.
Limitations of Wireless Communication
- It can require extra costs and equipment to set up.
- Setting up a wireless network can sometimes be difficult for people who are not experienced with computers.
- File-sharing transfer speeds are normally slower with wireless networks than they are with cabled.
- The connection also gets worse the farther you are from the router, which can be a problem in a large building or space.
- Wireless networks are generally less secure. Information is also less secure too and can be easier to hack into.
Advantages of Wireless Communication
- Increased efficiency
- Improved data communications lead to faster transfer of information within businesses and between partners and customers. For example, salespeople can remotely check stock levels and prices while on sales calls.
- Access and availability
- Because wireless technology allows the user to communicate while on the move, you are rarely out of touch – you don’t need extra cables or adaptors to access office networks.
- Flexibility
- Office-based wireless workers can network without sitting at dedicated computers and can continue to do productive work while away from the office. This can lead to new styles of working, such as home working or direct access to corporate data while on customer sites.
- Cost savings
- Wireless networks can be easier and cheaper to install, especially in listed buildings or where the landlord will not permit the installation of cables.
- New opportunities
- Wireless networking could allow you to offer new products or services. For example, many airport departure lounges, train stations, hotels, cafes and restaurants have installed ‘hot spot’ WiFi services to allow mobile users to connect their equipment to their ‘home’ offices while travelling.
- Freedom from wires :
- Can be configured with the use of any physical connection.
Wireless vs Wired Communications
| Activity/Category | Wireless Network | Wired Network |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom of movement for users | Users can access network from anywhere within range. | Users location limited by need to use cable and/or connect to a port. |
| Sharing Files | Easier with wireless network as you do not need to be cabled to network, though transfer speeds may be slower. | Generally less convenient as you have to be cabled in, but transfer speeds often faster. |
| Cables | Far less complicated, disruptive, and untidy cabling needed. | Lots of cables and ports needed which can be a headache. |
| Business | For businesses dealing with public, customers like and often expect wireless, so wireless can increase income. | Wired networks are not convenient for public use, but sometimes acceptable for a traditional office. |
| Connection speeds | Usually slower than wired. | Usually faster than wireless. |
| Security | Less secure than wired. Both bandwidth and information can sometimes be accessed. | More secure than wireless. |
| Set up | Upgrading to a wireless network can be difficult and expensive. | Can also be difficult and expensive to set up. |
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