Wireless Networks

A wireless network allows devices to communicate without connecting by physical cables. It uses radio waves to transmit information between devices.

Types of Wireless Networks

The most ubiquitous type of wireless network is Wi-Fi. It’s commonly used in homes, offices, and public places to provide internet connectivity to mobile and desktop devices.
Mobile networks like 3G, 4G, and 5G also constitute wireless networks. They facilitate data transmission to mobile phone devices and are vital for internet access in areas without Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless network type used for connecting devices like keyboards, headsets, or game controllers to a computer.

A Wireless Access Point (WAP) enables devices to connect to a wireless network. For a Wi-Fi network, the WAP usually is the router.
The area covered by a single WAP, where devices can connect to the network, is known as the coverage area. Walls, ceilings, and other obstacles can decrease a WAP’s coverage area.
The network’s speed can vary based on multiple factors, such as the protocol used (e.g., Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6), the number of connected devices, and the interference from other wireless devices or networks.

Unlike wired networks, wireless networks’ signals can spread beyond the intended coverage area, making them vulnerable to unauthorised access. Therefore, security measures are critical.
One common security measure is encryption, where data sent over the network is coded. The receiver, who has the correct decryption key, can then decode the data. This prevents unauthorised access to the information.
Password protection is another measure. By setting up a strong password, only the users that know the password can access the network.
Networks can also hide their Service Set Identifier (SSID), the network’s name, making it invisible to devices searching for networks to connect.

Advantages: Wireless networks provide flexibility in moving devices within the coverage area without loss of network connectivity. They are also easy to set up and manage compared to wired networks.
Disadvantages: Wireless networks can experience interference from other devices using the same frequency, resulting in slower network speeds or loss of connection. Also, they can be less secure than wired networks if not properly set up.