How does a wireless network work?

Wireless networks work similar to how cordless phones work, through radio signals to transmit data from one point A to point B. The sender of the radio signal mixes data into the radio signal in a process called modulation. The receiver can obtain this data by demodulating the received signal.

Wireless technology has restrictions as to how you can access the network. You must be within the wireless network range area to be able to connect your computer. Besides that, a wireless network may be protected by a passWord.

There are two different types of wireless networks Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN).

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

In a wireless local area network, a device called an Access Point (AP) connects computers to the network. The access point has a small antenna attached to it, which allows it to transmit data back and forth over radio signals. With an indoor access point as seen in the picture, the signal can travel up to 300 feet. With an outdoor access point the signal can reach out up to 30 miles to serve places like manufacturing plants, industrial locations, college and high school campuses, airports, Golf courses, and many other outdoor venues.

Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)

A WPAN network is a wireless network on a smaller scale than a WLAN network. It also uses radio as a carrier signal, but with a different frequency and wavelength. Bluetooth is the industry standard wireless technology used for WPAN. Bluetooth devices in WPAN operate in a range up to 30 feet away.

Compared to WLAN the speed and wireless operation range are both less than WLAN, but in return it doesn't use nearly as much power which makes it ideal for personal devices, such as mobile phones, PDAs, headphones, laptops, speakers, and other devices that operate on batteries.