sabret00the
Youngling
Wireless technology works much the same way a mobile phone works: airwaves, instead of wires, are used to carry data from one point to another. A computer with a properly installed wireless network adapter can communicate with another similarly configured computer or other wireless device, such as a printer with a wireless print adapter. Wireless technology provides speed and security comparable to a conventional wired network without the cables and their limitations.
There are three primary types of wireless networks.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) - A WLAN can be created at your home for personal use. This type of wireless network is frequently used to access the Internet. The range of a WLAN can be up to 300 feet.
NOTE: Range may vary due to number of users, interference, transmission barriers (such as walls and building material), and other factors.
Wireless LANs are becoming commonplace in public-access facilities. Locations called hotspots provide access points that can communicate with the wireless network adapter in your portable computer or handheld device.
To access a wireless LAN at a public place, you may need an account with the provider of the wireless service. Additional access charges apply in some locations.
The range and speed of public-access hotspots will vary according to environmental and other factors.
Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN): Bluetooth Technology - Wireless personal area networks are short-range networks utilizing BluetoothTM technology, commonly used to interconnect compatible devices near a central location, such as a desk. A WPAN has a typical range of about 30 feet.
NOTE: Again, range may vary due to interference, transmission barriers (such as walls and building material), and other factors.
Bluetooth technology is the WPAN networking standard.
Some devices are equipped with built-in Bluetooth compatibility. Certain other devices can be made Bluetooth-compatible with add-on Bluetooth network cards.
WPAN devices do not communicate with WLAN devices.
The use of WPAN can reduce the number of wires and cords in a work area.
Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) - Wireless Wide Area Networking or Mobile Broadband is accomplished through the use of mobile phone signals. Mobile Broadband Networks are typically provided and maintained by specific mobile phone (cellular) service providers. Mobile Broadband can provide a way to stay connected even when away from other forms of network access. Connectivity to some wireless Wide Area Networks can be maintained anywhere there is cellular phone service available from the provider. Additional access charges apply in some locations.
There are three primary types of wireless networks.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) - A WLAN can be created at your home for personal use. This type of wireless network is frequently used to access the Internet. The range of a WLAN can be up to 300 feet.
NOTE: Range may vary due to number of users, interference, transmission barriers (such as walls and building material), and other factors.
Wireless LANs are becoming commonplace in public-access facilities. Locations called hotspots provide access points that can communicate with the wireless network adapter in your portable computer or handheld device.
To access a wireless LAN at a public place, you may need an account with the provider of the wireless service. Additional access charges apply in some locations.
The range and speed of public-access hotspots will vary according to environmental and other factors.
Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN): Bluetooth Technology - Wireless personal area networks are short-range networks utilizing BluetoothTM technology, commonly used to interconnect compatible devices near a central location, such as a desk. A WPAN has a typical range of about 30 feet.
NOTE: Again, range may vary due to interference, transmission barriers (such as walls and building material), and other factors.
Bluetooth technology is the WPAN networking standard.
Some devices are equipped with built-in Bluetooth compatibility. Certain other devices can be made Bluetooth-compatible with add-on Bluetooth network cards.
WPAN devices do not communicate with WLAN devices.
The use of WPAN can reduce the number of wires and cords in a work area.
Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) - Wireless Wide Area Networking or Mobile Broadband is accomplished through the use of mobile phone signals. Mobile Broadband Networks are typically provided and maintained by specific mobile phone (cellular) service providers. Mobile Broadband can provide a way to stay connected even when away from other forms of network access. Connectivity to some wireless Wide Area Networks can be maintained anywhere there is cellular phone service available from the provider. Additional access charges apply in some locations.
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