A wireless network is a computer network that uses wireless data connections between network nodes. Wireless networking is a method by which homes, telecommunications networks and business installations avoid the costly process of introducing cables into a building, or as a connection between different equipment locations.
Wireless networks are based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. These standards define the protocols that are used for wireless communication.
There are many different types of wireless networks, but some of the most common types are:
- Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs): A WLAN is a wireless network that is used to connect devices in a small area, such as a home or office. WLANs are based on the IEEE 802.11 standards.
- Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMANs): A WMAN is a wireless network that is used to connect devices in a metropolitan area. WMANs are based on the IEEE 802.16 standards.
- Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWANs): A WWAN is a wireless network that is used to connect devices over a large area, such as a country or a continent. WWANs are based on the cellular telephone network.
There are many different wireless network technologies, but some of the most common technologies are:
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that is based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. Wi-Fi is used to connect devices in a small area, such as a home or office.
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth is a wireless networking technology that is used to connect devices over a short distance. Bluetooth is often used to connect headsets, keyboards, and mice to computers.
- WiMAX: WiMAX is a wireless networking technology that is based on the IEEE 802.16 standards. WiMAX is used to connect devices in a metropolitan area.
- Cellular: Cellular is a wireless networking technology that is used to connect devices over a large area. Cellular is used for mobile phones and other mobile devices.
Wireless networks are more vulnerable to security threats than wired networks. This is because the signals are broadcast through the air, which makes them easy to intercept.
There are many different wireless network security protocols, but some of the most common protocols are:
- Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP): WEP is an old and insecure wireless network security protocol. It is no longer recommended for use.
- Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA): WPA is a more secure wireless network security protocol than WEP. It is still used in some older devices.
- Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2): WPA2 is the most secure wireless network security protocol. It is the recommended protocol for all new devices.
- Mobility: Wireless networks allow you to connect to the network from anywhere in the coverage area.
- Flexibility: Wireless networks are very flexible. They can be easily expanded to accommodate new devices.
- Cost: Wireless networks can be less expensive to install than wired networks.
- Security: Wireless networks are more vulnerable to security threats than wired networks.
- Interference: Wireless networks can be affected by interference from other wireless devices.
- Speed: Wireless networks are typically slower than wired networks.