What’s a Wireless Network, Exactly?

Wireless networks are everywhere nowadays. From home routers to cell phones, they look to be popping up at every turn. What exactly is a wireless network? And why should you care?

What is a Wireless Network?
A wireless network is a computer network that uses radio waves to connect between computers rather than using wires or cables. Wireless network topology allows devices to connect to each other using radio waves instead of physical cables. Instead, each device connects with other devices by transferring and receiving radio signals over the air. So, this networking technology has become increasingly popular because it allows you to move around your home without worrying about tripping over cable cords. They provide a number of benefits, including flexibility, mobility, and simplicity of installation.

There are four main types of Wireless Networks:

LAN
Local area networking (LAN) is the most commonly used type of wireless networking. A local area network connects multiple computers within a single building or small group of buildings. For instance, an office building might have several different offices connected via a local area network. Each workplace would be able to share files and printers among themselves.

PAN
Mobile phones, PDAs, digital cameras, video game consoles, and other portable electronics can all be connected to a wider network and to one another via a personal area network. These networks can be as simple as two devices communicating with one another or as complicated as thousands of devices communicating with thousands of other devices.

MAN
A Metropolitan Area Network connects large groups of computers located at various locations throughout a city or region. A central hub that manages all communication between the many nodes typically exists in these networks.

WAN
A wide-area network (WAN) connects computers spread across a vast geographic region, such as a nation or continent. The Internet is a prime example of this kind of network.

The Components of a Wireless Network
To set up a wireless network, you need three basic components:

Access Points
An access point provides a way for clients to connect to the Internet through a wireless network. In addition, an access point can deliver connectivity to other wireless networks.

Routers
A router is a device that transmits data packets between different parts of a network. Most routers use Ethernet technology to send and receive information. However, some newer routers use Wi-Fi technology instead.

Clients
A client is a device that needs to get online. Clients include laptops, desktop PCs, mobile phones, handhelds, PDAs, and other similar devices.

What Advantages Do Wi-Fi Wireless Networks Offer?

Convenience
Wireless networks make it easy to connect to the Internet anywhere you go. So, you don’t need to be concerned about plugging it into a wall outlet or stumbling over a cable cord.

Security
By encrypting the information you send over the air, you can safeguard your personal information. Encryption scrambles the data, rendering it unreadable by outside parties.

Cost
A wireless network doesn’t require any cables; therefore, there are no installation fees.

Mobility

You may roam around with a wireless network and not have to worry about running out of power or wires.

Productivity
Wi-Fi lets you work anywhere with your laptop computer. Hence, you can surf the web, download documents, and check your email.

Easy setup
Compared to a conventional wired network, a wireless network is simpler to set up.

Extensions
You may quickly add more users or devices to your network if you so choose.

What Is the Difference Between a Wired and a Wireless Network?

The distinctions between wireless and wired networks are numerous. Wireless networks and wired networks differ primarily in that wireless networks take up less space. This implies that, compared to wired networks, wireless networks can be positioned closer to one another.

Wireless networks function using radio waves rather than electrical currents. Radio waves travel farther than electricity does. So, if you’re trying to reach a distant site, a wireless network may be a better choice than a wired network.

Wireless networks are typically faster than wired networks. Because they use radio waves, wireless networks transfer information at a higher rate than wired networks.

Security is another distinction. With a wired network, all networks are made directly between two pieces of hardware. So, if someone breaks into one of those connections, he could possibly break into every connection on the entire network. On the other hand, every connection on a wireless network is encrypted for security. Hackers find it more difficult to intercept messages as a result.

The final difference is cost. A wired network requires expensive cabling. On the other hand, a wireless network doesn’t need any wiring. It also doesn’t require any special equipment. All you need is a wireless router.

How a Wireless Network is Deployed

There are three options available for setting up your wireless network: cloud-based, convergent, and centralised.

Centralised Deployment
A typical centralised wireless network consists of controllers located at a central point (such as an office building) and access points distributed throughout the campus. These controllers achieve a wireless network by controlling radio frequency channels, assigning IP addresses, and providing security for the entire network.

Converged Deployment
For small campuses or branch offices, converged systems provide consistent wired and wireless connectivity. An Ethernet port is integrated into a single point of management (SPM) system in a converged implementation, offering reliable wired and wireless communication.

Cloud-Based Deployment
This system uses the Cloud to manage networking equipment deployed on-premise at different places.
Wireless networks have many Wi-Fi modes of operation.

Infrastructure Mode
In infrastructure mode, the wireless router connects to the Internet through a broadband modem. The wireless router acts like a bridge between the computer’s network adapter and the Internet.

Direct WiFi Mode
Devices can connect wirelessly directly to one another without using a gateway thanks to WiFi-Direct. Wifi-Direct is only functional when it is supported by both devices.

WiFi hotspot
A WiFi hotspot is a public location where users can use a wireless network to connect their laptop or smartphone to the internet.

Wireless technology has become very popular because of its flexibility and simplicity of installation. Users of wireless networks are allowed to roam across the network while maintaining a connection. This means they don’t have to worry about cables tangled up. Additionally, they are spared the trouble of having to plug in their laptops or PCs.

What wireless network is right for you? Some things to consider include:

• Do you have a fixed location or are you mobile? If you’re constantly on the go, a wireless network with good coverage in the areas you frequent would be beneficial.
• How many devices do you need to connect? If you only have one or two devices, a simpler wireless network setup might suffice. However, if you have many devices or plan to connect smart home appliances, a more robust network would be necessary.
• What is your budget? Wireless networks can range in price depending on the features and speeds you need.
• What speeds do you need for your internet activities? If you mainly browse the web and check email, a basic network might be enough. However, if you stream videos, game online, or download large files, you’ll need a faster network with higher bandwidth.

Once you have a better understanding of your needs, reach out to us at Telephone Technology. We have different wireless network options, features, and prices. We will help you find the best fit for you.