| The internet is something we all use, but rarely can | | | | other handheld internet devices. It's similar to a point |
| even the most tech-savvy person explain how it | | | | distribution connection, the only difference being the |
| works. Everyone has had the experience where a | | | | hard wired connection. |
| connection was lost and you searched in vain for a | | | | Satellite Wireless Internet |
| solution. Wireless connections provide internet | | | | This is similar to the way satellite television works. A |
| connectivity to a device without a hard wired | | | | satellite maintains a constant orbit relative to a point |
| connection. There are three different kinds. Another | | | | on earth. It's able to provide internet connectivity |
| concept similar to this is wireless networking, and | | | | with multiple locations that do not have a hard wired |
| there are three different kinds of networks. | | | | connection simultaneously. |
| Wireless internet:Point Distribution Wireless Internet | | | | Wireless Networking: Networking refers to one |
| Rather than use the old fashioned telephone | | | | connection being divided and used by multiple |
| connection (with that famously annoying dialing | | | | recipients. Networks have three different sources. |
| sound) this type of internet uses unlicensed radio | | | | Cellular Wireless Internet Network |
| bands. A good image to help understand radio signals | | | | This type of connection utilizes both the wired part |
| is to think of a game of pitch and catch between | | | | of the network and cellular broadcasting towers |
| transmitters and receivers. Transmitter towers send | | | | which receive and transmit signals. This is the type of |
| the signal by converting electric signals into electric | | | | signal that phones and other PDA's utilize for voice |
| magnetic waves. Transceivers placed eight to ten | | | | and for internet access. |
| kilometers apart pick up and interpret these signals. | | | | Hot Spot Wireless Internet Access |
| Radio converts audio and TV converts it to audio | | | | This is the kind of connection offered at coffee |
| and visual. Both of these are over long distances, but | | | | shops around the world. Some places offer free |
| internet is usually broadcasted at a closer range with | | | | connectivity while others require a user fee. It |
| less power. | | | | provides internet connectivity for computers and cell |
| Mesh Wireless Internet-WIFI | | | | phones within a range of up to six hundred feet. The |
| In a mesh system, one gateway has a hard wired | | | | connection may be powered by a wireless internet |
| connection to the internet. This requires a router. A | | | | source like a satellite or a hard-wired connection to |
| router does two jobs: it acts as a modem which | | | | the internet like a fiber optic cable. |
| receives internet and acts as a gateway so the | | | | Home/Office Wireless Networking |
| internet connection can be split up and used by | | | | Whether through a wire or wireless connection, |
| different sources. WIFI is able to send wireless | | | | wireless internet can be installed throughout your |
| signals across multiple nodes by using radio | | | | home or office. A router connects the internet |
| frequencies and in this way provide internet | | | | source through a cable and antennae are used to |
| connectivity to various computers, cell phones and | | | | broadcast the signal throughout your home or office. |