How does wireless technology work?

Sunday, July 25, 2010

A wireless system is basically consists of radio wave communication devices. The access hub is usually wired to a computer system or to the Ethernet. The hub transmits data through the air in radio wave form. Other communication devices receive these transmissions and can also communicate back and forth with the hub. So the wireless system can act like any wired network with the main difference found in the mode of transmission, i.e., radio waves rather than transmission cables.

Since there are no cables, workers do not have to worry about yanking devices on the other end of a cable or tripping over cables as they move around. The communication allows them to move through corridors checking inventory, or accessing files to assist customers from any location with range of the access hub.

Capabilities of wireless systems
The normal range of wireless devices is about 30 to 40 metres in an open air environment; however this can vary depending on various types of interference that might exist in the workplace like lift wells.

Some wireless networks come equipped with software applications that allow users to access databases, i.e., for checking stock or service manuals. Some systems also allow the user to communicate with printers or other devices.

Types of wireless networks
One of the original wireless systems is the Telnet utility. At one time, Telnet was also widely used in communication with servers over the Internet. The Telnet device allows you to view what is happening as a software application executes on a server.

Microsoft Windows systems also offer wireless connectivity using personal digital assistants (PDAs) to access databases like Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access. Another option is to use a simple “flat file” system, which stores data in a very portable text file that can be read by most types of applications.