Wireless

Wireless itself is simple. It’s transmitting data via radio waves instead of wires. Complexity comes in the technology’s architecture, standards, speeds, access methods, end user devices and many other factors and protocols. To its core, wireless means transmitting signals over invisible radio waves instead of wires…all types of devices such as: garage door openers and TV remote controls, cordless telephones, computer keyboard and mouse, PDAs (personal digital assistants).

So, what’s the difference between wireless and mobile? Mobile is the notebook or tablet computer used outside the ‘four-walls’ but it requires a wired modem connection before it can transmit e-mail. Conversely, a cell phone is a wireless device because it can receive data without being plugged into a wired connection...now that’s wireless. The ‘transferred’ data is predominately processed over two kinds of networks: local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).

LAN technologies are predominantly used for data transmission and are commonly referenced within the 802.11 family of specifications. LANs allow for localized transmission of data within approximately 300 feet of a wireless access point or AP. Bluetooth technology, the newest LAN technology, enables devices rather than a network to communicate within an operating range of only 30 feet. Wireless LANs are often installed for convenience, such as when a company doesn’t want to or can’t wire its building or an individual who doesn’t want a wire hanging from their earpiece. Click Here for more information on LANs.

WAN technologies are primarily used for data and voice transmission and can cover areas as large as several countries. The quality and rate of the technology is constantly evolving and is commonly referred to by the type and generation (analog or digital) of the data and voice transmission:

• CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access, for example 1xRTT)
• GSM (Global System for Mobile communication, for example GPRS or General Packet Radio Signal)
• iDEN (Integrated Dispatch Enhanced Network, for example Nextel Push-to-Talk), and
• TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access, for example a T-1 or T-3 line).

The BuyToughPC hardware listed below contains the latest wireless technology to meet your needs. To update your wireless vocabulary and understanding of the above referenced terminology, click here.