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Wireless Technology

You might have heard a lot about Wi-Fi, 3G/4G, Bluetooth, wireless access point etc. All of them utilise the technology of wireless communication, which has become a vital part in our day-to-day life.

Some of wireless devices you might be very familiar with include mobile phones, cordless telephones, GPS navigators, laptops and antennas etc. Also just because of the wireless technology, you are able to use those devices anywhere and anytime to contact people and to access data.

Below is the diagram of mobile coverage in Australia.

wireless technology Australia map

Figure: Australian Mobile Coverage (http://www.phonejammer.com.au/australia-hot-13.html)

So, what really is wireless technology?

Background

Wireless technology is defined as transmitting information between multiple points over a certain distance without the aid of wires, cables or any other forms of electrical conductors. It was first introduced by Guglielmo Marconi to the world in around 1890 for radio signal transmission (aka. wireless telegraphy), and it has become increasingly prevalent in our daily lives since 2000s in various forms such as LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and radio signals etc.

Advantages

  1. Mobility
    Using wireless technology leads to “freedom”, which means that you can move around with your source devices (e.g. Mobile phones, tablets, laptops etc.) without the burden carrying cables/wires wherever you go, and your devices stay connected.
  2. Cost effective
    Wired technology might have more robust connection and faster transmission rate; however, installing cables/wires is usually costly. The price could vary from hundreds of dollars (e.g. household connection) to millions of dollars (e.g. submarine communication table across the oceans). By contrast, the installation of wireless technology is simpler and quicker, which will save you a significant amount of money. Moreover, the maintenance cost of wireless infrastructure is cheaper too.
  3. Easy to use
    Because of its nature, setting up a wireless device could usually be done within a few clicks. There is no plugging or unplugging involved.

Disadvantages

  1. Security
    Due to its convenience in accessibility and mobility, anyone is able to spot the open wireless networks; therefore, they are prone to attacking by hackers., which leads to a high possibility in losing data.

To reinforce the security of wireless network, you are encouraged to use Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or WPA2.

Needless to say, Wireless technology is one of the greatest inventions in the history, which enables people to explore the world, and to connect with each other.