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Types of Wireless Networks
Wireless LANs are not the only type of wireless networks that exist.
Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)
WPAN uses low-powered transmitters to create a very short range network, usually 7 to 10 meters. Based on the 802.15 standard and includes technologies such as Bluetooth and ZigBee although ZigBee can have greater range. Unlicensed ISM frequencies are used including the 2.4 GHz band.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
Wireless service connecting multiple devices using IEEE 802.11 standard over medium-sized range, usually up to 100 meters. Uses unlicensed frequencies in 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band.
Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (WMAN)
Wireless service over a large geographic area, such as all or portion of a city. One technology used is WiMAX, which is based on the 802.16 standard. Most commonly uses licensed frequencies.
Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)
Wireless data service for mobile phones offered over a very large geographic area, such as regional, national or even global by telecommunication carriers. Licensed frequencies are used.
Wireless LAN Topologies
Likelihood of interference increases as the number of wireless devices grows. Wireless devices use half duplex to avoid colliding with other Continue reading