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Unit 7: Wireless Networks

The term “wireless” should not be confused with the term “cordless”, which is generally used to Notes
refer to powered electrical or electronic devices that are able to operate from a portable power
source (e.g. a battery pack) without any cable or cord to limit the mobility of the cordless device
through a connection to the mains power supply. Some cordless devices, such as cordless
telephones, are also wireless in the sense that information is transferred from the cordless
telephone to the telephone’s base unit via some type of wireless communications link. This has
caused some disparity in the usage of the term “cordless”, for example in Digital Enhanced
Cordless Telecommunications.
In the last 50 years, wireless communications industry experienced drastic changes driven by
many technology innovations.

7.1.1 Advantages of Wireless Communications

Wireless communication has the following advantages:
1. Communication has enhanced to convey the information quickly to the consumers.
2. Working professionals can work and access Internet anywhere and anytime without
carrying cables or wires wherever they go. This also helps to complete the work anywhere
on time and improves the productivity.
3. Doctors, workers and other professionals working in remote areas can be in touch with
medical centres through wireless communication.

4. Urgent situation can be alerted through wireless communication. The affected regions can
be provided help and support with the help of these alerts through wireless communication.
5. Wireless networks are cheaper to install and maintain.

7.1.2 Disadvantages of Wireless Communications

The growth of wireless network has enabled us to use personal devices anywhere and anytime.
This has helped mankind to improve in every field of life but this has led many threats as well.
Wireless network has led to many security threats to mankind. It is very easy for the hackers to
grab the wireless signals that are spread in the air. It is very important to secure the wireless
network so that the information cannot be exploited by the unauthorised users. This also increases
the risk to lose information.

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Caution Strong security protocols must be created to secure the wireless signals like WPA
and WPA2. Another way to secure the wireless network is to have wireless intrusion
prevention system.

7.1.3 Types of Wireless Communication

The different types of wireless communication technologies include:

1. Infrared (IR) wireless communication: IR wireless communication communicates data or
information in devices or systems through infrared (IR) radiation. Infrared is
electromagnetic energy at a wavelength that is longer than that of red light. IR wireless is
used for short and medium-range communications and security control. For IR
communication to work, the systems mostly operate in line-of-sight mode which means that
there must be no obstruction between the transmitter (source) and receiver
(destination). Infrared is used in television remote controls and security systems.

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