What Is Wireless - D-Link Mini 3G 21 Mbps User Manual

Appendix A - Wireless Basics
What.is.Wireless?
Wireless or Wi-Fi technology is another way of connecting your computer to the network without using wires. Wi-Fi uses radio frequency to connect
wirelessly, so you have the freedom to connect computers anywhere in your home or office network.
Why.D-Link.Wireless?
D -Link is the worldwide leader and award winning designer, developer, and manufac turer of net work ing produc ts.
D-Link delivers the performance you need at a price you can afford. D-Link has all the products you need to build your network.
How.does.wireless.work?
Wireless works similar to how cordless phone work, through radio signals to transmit data from one point A to point B. But 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. 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)
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.
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