The information age has been revolutionized not just by the power of computers to process data, but also by the power of communication amongst computers. This communication is responsible for the proliferation of computer networks. Sharing of information, sharing of resources (both software and hardware) and sharing of processing load are some of the major objectives of a computer network. One of the recent trends in the computer and communication industries is wireless communication. A wireless network does not use cables, but instead uses radio waves. Such networks enhance the functionality of computing devices by freeing them from the location constraints of a wired network. Although wireless networking is of great use to the laptop users who move from one location to the other throughout the day, there are benefits for fixed users as well. Many schools and businesses have an architecture that is unsuited for a wired network. Wired networking is very cost effective in such environments.
Wireless networks can be broadly classified as fixed wireless systems and mobile wireless systems. A fixed wireless system supports a little or no mobility of the equipment related to the wireless network. For example, a local area network can be set up using wireless network to get rid of the hassles of laying cables. The mobile wireless systems support mobility of the equipment, enabling the user to access information from anywhere and at any time. The equipments used in the mobile wireless systems include personal digital assistants (PDAs), smart phones and pager with Internet access.
Wireless networks communicate by modulating radio waves or pulsing infrared light. A wireless networking router is linked to the wired network infrastructure by stationary transceivers. Wireless communication technologies used in wireless networks include analog cellular, digital cellular, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), mobile radio networks, personal communication services (PCS), satellite, microwave systems and local multipoint distribution systems (LMDS). Although the data rates supported by analog cellular technology are low, it is the most popular methods for wireless data communications due to the wide availability of modems and analog cellular services. The commonly used wireless technologies include 2G and 3G technologies, wireless LANs, Wireless Local Loops (WLLs), radio-router technology, Multihop wireless network and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP).
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Configuring Wireless Networks
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Configuring a wireless network involves setting up a wireless router or access point and installing wireless adapters on the networked computers. The wireless router must be placed in a central location because the computers closer to the router or access point obtain faster network speeds....
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Home Wireless Networks
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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A home wireless network can be set up using wireless local area network (WLAN) devices. A wireless LAN has a wireless interface that enables wireless communication amongst the computers and peripheral devices that are a part of the LAN. A wireless LAN has limited range...
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Mobile Computing Networks
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Using mobile computers when in transit implies mobile computing. This is effectuated by using wireless technologies such as LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, GPRS, etc. LAN refers to Local Area Networking. This is not a very mobile technology, as it restricts the area of its reach. LAN...
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Wireless Network Cards
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Network cards are the backbone of any network. The Network interface card or the network card is a hardware device that allows a computer to be connected to a network, and through the network to other computers and devices. It is installed in one of...
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Discount Wireless Laptops
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Being flexible in business is an essential factor these days. The wireless solution, a cost-effective and secure technology, allows for building mobility and versatility. Wireless technology is the same as the technology used in a mobile phone. It uses radio waves to carry data from...
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Wireless IP Phones
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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A wireless IP Phone can be described as a sophisticated, next generation mobile IP communication device. The concept of Wireless IP Phone originated due to the spread of Wireless LAN (WLAN) in business organizations. It integrates the regular IP phone with wireless installations and facilitates...
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What Is Mobile Computing?
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Mobile computing refers to the use of small and portable computing devices in wireless enabled networks that provide wireless connection to a central main server. These devices include laptops, notebook PCs, tablet PCs, palmtops, personal digital assistant (PDAs) and other hand held devices. A radio-signaling...
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Wireless Home Security Systems
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Home security systems are becoming a necessity with increasing break-ins. One needs to protect family members as well as their valued possessions. There are many kinds of home security systems which can have one or many kinds of devices working together. For centrally monitored security...
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Mobile Computing
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Mobile computing refers to the use of any kind of computer in a moving environment. The motion may be of the device itself, as in laptops, palmtops, wearable computers, and mobile phones; or it may refer to the dynamics of the computing process, as in...
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Mobile Computing Accessories
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Mobile computing accessories include electronic devices such as laptops, notebook PCs, tablet PCs, palmtops, personal digital assistant (PDAs), other hand held devices, networking software and access point devices. These devices have inbuilt radio signaling devices that are used to receive and transmit electronic data. They...