In this tech-savvy world, the use of the internet and WiFi is widespread. We depend on the internet for everything from connecting to friends and family on video calls, online banking transactions, virtually attending classes/work meetings, Audio/video OTT platforms, and much more. WiFi is a wireless network that connects mobile phones and laptops to the internet. But do you ever wonder how Wireless Networks work?
We have curated this guide to let you understand all about Wireless Networks.
Wireless Network & How it Works:
A wireless network enables devices to connect to the internet without tethering wires or optic fibers. Wireless networks use radio waves to transmit information between your device and the router via frequencies of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. These frequencies are further split into multiple channels to avoid traffic congestion.
There are four types of Wireless Networks:
- Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN):
As the name suggests, wireless LAN connects two or more devices to the internet wirelessly based on radio transmissions using access points. WLAN forms a local area network in a limited area, such as an office/school building or a home.
- Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMAN):
Wireless MAN connects users on several wireless LANs within a geographical area, usually the size of a metropolitan area. For example, a WMAN can connect multiple office/school buildings within a city.
- Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN):
Wireless WAN uses mobile cellular network technologies such as 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, or the latest 5G to transfer data. WWAN enables an instant, secure connection to surf the web or connect to a VPN regionally or nationally, depending on the wireless network provider's availability.
- Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN):
Wireless PAN is a short-distance wireless network that connects devices within an individual's reach.
However, with advances in technology we now have a portable WiFi router, the MiFi device, that enables you to connect multiple devices to high-speed internet. The MiFi creates a personal hotspot that you can conveniently connect to devices to use data on the go. To read about more such interesting topics, explore the Vi blog today!