A wireless computer network is a system that allows multiple computing devices—such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices—to connect and share resources (like the Internet, files, and printers) without using physical cables.
- These networks rely on radio frequency (RF) signals, microwaves, or infrared for communication between devices.
- Wireless networks play a vital role in mobile computing, remote communication, cloud access, and smart systems across homes, businesses, and industries.
Types of Wireless Networks:
- WLAN(Wireless Local Area Network)
- WPAN(Wireless Personal Area Network)
- WMAN(Wireless Metropolitan Area Network)
- WWAN(Wireless Wide Area Network)
1.) Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
- Connects devices within a limited geographical area (e.g., home, school, office).
- Uses a wireless router and Wi-Fi to provide access to the Internet or internal network.
- Example: Your smartphone and laptop both connected to your home’s Wi-Fi.
2.) Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)
- Covers a very short range (typically a few meters).
- Designed for personal devices like smartphones, headsets, smartwatches.
- Uses technologies like Bluetooth, Infrared, and ZigBee.
- Example: Transferring files between your phone and laptop via Bluetooth.
3.) Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN)
- Spans across a city or large campus.
- Uses technologies like WiMAX or LTE to offer wireless connectivity to multiple buildings.
- Example: A university connecting all its departments wirelessly across the city.
4.) Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)
- Covers large geographical areas such as cities, countries, or even continents.
- Uses cellular networks (3G, 4G, 5G) and satellite communication.
- Example: Accessing the Internet via mobile data on your smartphone while traveling.
Main Components of a Wireless Network
1.) Clients (End Devices)
- These are user devices that connect to the wireless network.
- Examples: Laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, barcode scanners.
- In industrial use (e.g., warehouses), clients move freely while staying connected.
2.) Access Points (APs)
- Devices that transmit and receive wireless signals, acting as Wi-Fi transmitters.
- Provide a bridge between wireless clients and the wired network (via Ethernet).
- Broadcast the network SSID (name) and manage connectivity.
3.) Wireless Controllers (optional)
- Used in large enterprise networks to manage multiple access points centrally.
- Helps control signal strength, roaming, and security.
4.) Routers
- Provide internet access and can include both wired and wireless capabilities.
- Acts as a gateway between the local network and the external Internet.
5.) Antennas
- Improve signal strength and range.
- Can be internal (within routers) or external (on towers or rooftops).
