Wireless Signals

Wireless Signals

Wireless technology has made many advances in the past years. Keyboards, computer mice, and laptops with no cords attached are everywhere, the internet is available on the cell phone, and network printers are humming and printing from offices away. Wireless technology offers different types of connections including radio systems, microwave signals, satellite signals, and infrared systems.

Radio system wireless technology (also known as radio frequency (RF), is distinguished by low and high frequencies divided between regulated and unregulated bandwidths. It includes shortwave radio, VHF and UHF. Low frequency radio waves allow the waves to pass through obstacles easily, but transmission power is less the further the distance from the transmitter. High frequency radio waves travel in straight lines, bounce off obstacles, and require the transmitters and receivers to be in a direct line of sight connection. More companies are producing RF wireless networking products making this system more affordable and an alternative to land lines in local areas. Radio wave signals, in connection with microwave signals, can be a useful tool for many companies connecting to each other and other locations. (Regan, 2004).

Microwave signals are another form of a wireless connection which operates using electromagnetic energy at a higher frequency than the radio wave technology. This wireless technology is used mainly for long distance telephone communication, cell phones, and television signals. The microwave signal can carry more information over longer distances due to the higher bandwidths and is currently the most popular long distance transmission signal. The downfall of this wireless signal is the transmitting and receiving antennas must be lined up and the signal cannot go through obstacles. Dish transmission is used to establish a connection where needed. This may make the cost of this transmission high and require technical assistance to...