| In this article I'll help you understand the answer to a | | | | think of it is by comparing it to a portable phone. |
| computer terminology question I find a lot of people | | | | With a portable phone, something most of us have in |
| asking: "How does wireless Internet work?". | | | | our home, the phone has two parts: a handset and a |
| Before I can answer this question, I have to mention | | | | cradle. |
| that there are two basic types of wireless Internet: a | | | | The cradle gets plugged into the phone line -- the |
| wireless Internet connection through a device called a | | | | connection to the phone network -- and takes that |
| router (this type of wireless Internet is called WiFi), | | | | connection and broadcasts it via radio waves more |
| and then there is wireless Internet access through | | | | or less in all directions. |
| the cell phone network. | | | | If the handset is within range of the signal, it picks up |
| Wireless routers are very common in homes, offices, | | | | this signal and relays the telephone connection so you |
| and "wireless hotspots" like you find at coffee shops, | | | | can make or receive a call. |
| airports, and elsewhere. These are basically just small | | | | Wireless Internet, whether its via a cell network or a |
| electronic "boxes" that hook up to your Internet | | | | wireless router, works the same basic way: you have |
| connection so you can share the connection between | | | | a connection to the Internet, which is sent out |
| several computers, or simply to give you the | | | | wirelessly to a receiver of some sort, very much like |
| freedom to place your computer wherever you | | | | a portable phone cradle sends out the telephone |
| want, and not just next to the cable or phone outlet. | | | | connection to the handset. |
| The cell phone data network (wireless Internet | | | | The broadcast can come from a wireless router |
| through the cell phone network in other words) of | | | | hooked up to a cable or DSL Internet connection, or |
| course is very widespread -- pretty much | | | | the broadcast can be from a cell phone tower |
| everywhere where you can get a cell signal -- and | | | | hooked into the cell phone network and relaying the |
| can be used not only with a cell phone but also with | | | | Internet connection. |
| a growing number of computers. | | | | On the other end you have a "handset", which is a |
| Now if you want to get really technical, these two | | | | receiver in a computer, smart phone, or other device. |
| types of wireless Internet work differently. But in a | | | | This could be a WiFi card in a laptop or desktop |
| general sense, if you simplify things and explain them | | | | computer for the one type of wireless Internet, or a |
| in a basic way that will make sense to the average | | | | receiver in a cell phone or laptop using the cell data |
| person, they both work along the same general lines. | | | | network. |
| So how does wireless Internet work? One way to | | | | I hope that makes sense. |