Wireless Networking

Wireless networks enable people to connect to the Internet or to a LAN wirelessly.

To set up a wireless network you would need:

• a broadband connection to the internet
• a router
• WIFI enable computer

1. The router is connected to the internet with the broadband connection

2. The router recieves data from the internet

3. It transmits the data as a radio signal using an antenna

4. A computers wireless adapter picks up the signal and turns the radio signal into data that the computer understands

WHEN SENDING DATA, THE ABOVE IS DONE YET IN REVERSE.

• allows inexpensive LANs to be set up without cables
• allows people the freedom of working where they wish as long as signal can be recieved
• ideal for old listing buildings who cannot install cables
• global set of standards - you can use Wi-Fi all over the world

• Power consumption is high - laptops exhaust battery quicker
• Health problems
• Security problems - even when encryption is used
• Very limited range
• Can get interference if wireless signals start to overlap