Wireless networks make use of wireless data connections to fetch and transmit data through radio waves. This type of network is extremely convenient since it eliminates the need to have connected wires to support any device or system. Due to its digital and adaptive modulation, and access multiplexing, a wireless network becomes extremely portable.

Wireless networks are flexible with low costs and provide high standards of services. There are various types of wireless networks where each kind is made to serve a different function. Some wireless networks are built to serve a household while others are made to function in well-developed communities.

The Basics of Wireless Networks

A wireless network is capable of joining two or more devices through radio waves. Since it relies on spread-spectrum technology, it reduces the need to depend on wires. However, its wireless nature does not mean that no wires or cables are involved.

As mentioned above, the wireless network operates through radiofrequency technology. When radiofrequency is supplied to the stationed antennas, this creates an electromagnetic field which is then spread through space.

The most important element in a wireless network is the Access Point (AP) device. The primary function of this device is to broadcast the wireless signals into a frequency which the computers can identify and respond to. To connect an Access Point to create a wireless connection, computers or other devices must be integrated with wireless network adapters. Most of the devices that cater to a wireless network come with built-in adaptors.

In some cases, where the devices do not possess such capability, an add-on adapter can be plugged into any USB port, expansion slot, or a PC card slot. When it comes to residential sectors, AP still plays a significant role in wireless networks. However, a router along with AP is involved in dispersing the wireless signals to the devices.

In almost every wireless setting, the router works together with an AP to form a single unit known as a wireless router. This connection can be secured through Ethernet cables or optic fibers. When working with Ethernet cables, you can utilize any Category cable. However, keep in mind to use Cat6 RJ45 connectors with Category 6 Ethernet cable.

Types of Wireless Networks

Wireless networks have several types such as WLAN, WMAN, WWAN, WPAN, and more. Below, we have discussed the types in detail.

  • Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)

As the name suggests, this type covers wireless networks over a wide area. This is achieved by wirelessly connecting coverage cells to provide services to an expanded geographical location. The WWAN is typically used to cater to the smartphones’ market through cellular service providers. To use this wireless network, special WAN cards are to be installed within the devices.

This is different from a normal Wi-Fi connection because in a Wi-Fi setting, individuals can enjoy wireless services through any hotspot. However, with the WWAN, specific handheld devices need to be specifically provisioned to gain access to any service provider’s network.

  • Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Sometimes known as LAWN (Local Area Wireless Network), this type of network takes place when any handheld device, preferably smartphones, is connected to the nearest networks with the help of a wireless connection. A WLAN can be constructed through any kind of wireless network protocol, but the most common way of ensuring a connection is through a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

The WLAN support can range from two or more devices. However, once the number of devices starts to increase, this wireless network becomes difficult to manage. Also, you will need to rely on repeaters or signal boosters to cover a vast geographical location. The WLAN caters to devices such as laptops, mobile phones, tablets computers, gaming console, internet audio system, and internet-powered home devices and appliances.

  • Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)

This personal area network provides a wireless connection to devices that surround an individual’s personal space. In a typical network, the WPAN makes use of a technology that enables wireless communication within a range of 10 meters. This makes the WPAN a short-range network.

The need to have WPAN is increasing rapidly. As more and more individuals rely on electronic devices within their workspace or homes, a distinct need to have stable wireless connection among the devices has emerged. An ordinary individual is surrounded by computers, smartphones, smart TV, speakers, Wi-Fi powered devices, and whatnot. Connecting all these devices can be a challenge. Throw mobility in the mix and the challenge becomes impossible to handle. Because of its difficult nature, a need to have strong and stable WPAN technology becomes a necessity.

Wpan consumes less power, provides short-range communication, is low cost, and provides a connected communication of various devices in people’s personal space.

  • Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN)

A wireless network that is intended to cover an area that ranges around 31 miles or 50 kilometers is a WMAN. This specific branch of the network allows multiple locations or buildings to stay connected within any metropolitan area. It is used to connect different campuses of a single university, various blocks of a hospital, and multiple office buildings. The secure connection does not require a network of cables running from one building to the next. Instead, it relies on strong radio waves or infrared light to transmit data.

Due to its strong wireless connectivity, WMAN is often used as a backup for wired networks. Usually, the WMAN falls in between WWAN and WLAN. Generally, this network is set up in a way that provides a connection between various points of LANs. Therefore, the main goal of WMAN is to provide a wireless connection between two independent and fully-functional LAN nodes.

The only downside to this network is that it is easily attacked. Since the WMAN covers a wide range of geographical locations, it provides hackers with countless opportunities to hack the networks.

  • Hybrid Network

In a wired network, all the devices must be connected with each other through a physical cable. On the other hand, a wireless network needs to create a wireless connection where all the devices are connected and respond to one another with the help of a main wireless Access Point.

In a standard Hybrid Network, there is a hybrid AP that relies on wireless as well as wired signals. A usual hybrid router transmits a Wi-Fi signal but it also contains ports that can be connected to any DSL modem or cable through Ethernet cables. When it comes to Hybrid Network, there are various network configurations. However, the most common one is where every wired device is plugged into the hybrid router’s Ethernet ports.

Hybrid Network is popular due to its accessibility and cost-saving factors. For instance, if you have an Ethernet connection in your home and buy a wireless device, you do not have to bin your entire connection system to set up a wireless network. You just simply have to add a wireless router to your current network and your wireless devices are good to go. The same goes for a business network as well.

Hybrid Network is a great option for individuals to introduce new network technologies and combine them with the existing ones to create a strong connection. Security is the biggest concern with Hybrid Networks; otherwise, it offers a lot of connectivity opportunities.

  • Wireless Ad Hoc Network

In a literal sense, Ad hoc means something improvised or a makeshift device. So, when it comes to defining it in terms of wireless technology, the wireless Ad Hoc network is a kind of impromptu, on-demand network that works from device to device. In this network setting, one can wirelessly connect one device to another without first connecting to a wireless router or Access Point. Since Ad Hoc wireless network can sustain itself without any existing infrastructure, it is decentralized and regarded as a peer-to-peer network.

It does not rely on a wireless router or central Access Point to transmit data from one point to another. Instead, each of its nodes sends and receives data that is circulated evenly through the existing structure. In other words, the nodes are free to communicate with each other without any barrier. A node in this setting can be defined as a single device that receives or transfers data to nearby devices.

New devices in the market cannot cater to a wireless Ad hoc environment. However, there are still a few good reasons as to why one should invest in this networking technology. Since Ad hoc networks can be created in any environment and under any circumstances, this quality makes them ideal for larger organizations, SMEs, or ordinary personal usage.

Conclusion

Wireless communication is a revolution that is showing no signs of stoppage. Currently, there exist only a couple of wireless networks’ types. However, only time will tell how far this communication technology advances and what new medium of wireless connections are created to satisfy the fast data speed needs of consumers.

If you want to know which networking medium would be suitable for your needs, this article should be enough since we have covered the types in detail. However, if you would like to know more about how to build a wireless connection using various types, you will find this article useful.