During 1997-98, we browsed the Internet using a dial-up modem, where we used to dial to a particular number provided by the service provider. You will be connected if the username matches with the password. You used to get speeds upto 256Kbps only. In 2000s cable service providers started to provide Broadband connectivity via cable wires. However, the bandwidth was limited, and we could not modify the modem used.
You have to make use of a modem provided by your provider with a specific Mac ID. In 2004, BSNL started to provide DSL broadband connectivity. However, the total bandwidth was restricted to a specific amount based on the payment you made.
Around that time, the equipment such as routers, modems was costly. You needed both modem and router to share the Internet. Things started to evolve slowly. Nowadays, we only have a single device which acts as both modem and router for sharing across multiple gadgets. Moreover, wireless technology has gained great prominence among the community.
With the rapid evolution of smartphones and tablets, the wireless technology gains great importance. It provides a low-cost and simple way to share a single Internet connection among several computers, smartphones, tablets and even printers. You only require one modem using which you can add additional gadgets to the network by plugging in a wireless card into them.
In fact, if you are connecting to a PC, you need not require any extra card since the motherboard ships with modem chipset. Regarding smartphones and tablets, they also come with modem integrated into the processor. Nowadays, Snapdragon and Helios processor provides advanced processors with faster modem chips.
To establish Internet connectivity, you just need to tap on the Settings, select the appropriate connection name and provide the required password.
The main advantage of a wireless network is that it enables you to access files and printers from anywhere inside your home or office. A reliable wireless network enables you to synchronize files from your laptop to portable gadgets like smartphones and tablets. You will be able to send emails by standing on the terrace as well.
If you have a high-quality, reliable broadband connectivity, you will be able to transfer files faster than sending them via other modes such as email. Moreover, you will be able to share printers among several devices. However, the compatible printer should be enabled with wireless technology such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
This will enable you to compose documents anywhere in your home or office and press the Print option. You can collect the printed files from the computer to which you had connected. By default, the computer will have wired connectivity, but other portable gadgets can access the same printer using wireless.
If you own a smartphone, you can easily play games on it with the help of a wireless connection. This means you will be able to play with your family and friends without depending upon your computer. During the early days of computing, you only had to depend upon your PC. But now the whole technology has changed to a large extent.
It will be real fun to play against real people on the screen. Moreover, you will be playing against strangers on the web. Nowadays, the speed of broadband connectivity equals or exceeds 1Mbps. Hence, you will be able to experience high speed on your mobile for the games.
If you make use of premium gaming consoles like Xbox, you will be able to take advantage of the Wireless connectivity for an excellent gaming experience. You will be able to establish connectivity with game consoles to the web and start to play the games. According to study reports, it is very easy to experience the real effect of online gaming via an Xbox or PlayStation 2 that is directly connected to a wireless network.
Types of Wireless connections
There are two ways by which you can establish connectivity with wireless networks. Firstly, you can share your existing Broadband connection with a Wireless model. Second, you can use your mobile carrier connectivity.
Technically speaking, both types of connections are always on. However, if you wish you can switch off the Modem when not in use. However, the primary purpose of the wireless network is the ability to go live whenever you want.
With the help of Wireless technology, you will be able to carry your laptop anywhere. In fact, even if you go on a vacation trip, you can carry your laptop with a Wi-Fi dongle (available separately) to establish network connectivity.
You have to insert a SIM card on the dongle to work with your laptop. The main disadvantage of this method is the slow connectivity. You will not be able to experience super-fast connectivity as the wireless connection routed from your DSL modem.
The big advantage of a Wireless network is that you can eliminate the need for costly and dangerous wires. There will be wires like the phone cable, jack, and power adapter. To establish network connectivity with the gadgets, you need not have to connect any cables. You can connect your devices without any need to worry about it being trapped near a phone outlet. Moreover, you need not have to walk over a tangle of wires inside your home.
Furthermore, there is a huge cost involved in the purchase of the long Ethernet cables. Sometimes, you will have to drill holes in your walls to setup a wired network. You can avoid this kind of long work if you make use of a Wireless connection.
Even if you migrate to some other location, you can easily transport your existing Wireless connectivity. There is no need to disconnect and pack up all the wires. With the help of a Wireless connectivity, you no longer have to deeply investigate all the wires for possible damage whenever your Internet connectivity goes down.
The primary concern involved with the raging debate over wired and wireless networks are the security and speed. If you ask us, we would still recommend Wired for critical business and office purposes. This will give you drop free connectivity at all times.
If you look at Wireless networks, they will not be stable at all times. It all depends upon the five umbrella type icon on the top of your gadget. Even though wired networks have a district advantage over wireless, that doesn’t mean that wireless networks are insecure.
Benefits of Wireless networks
The main advantage of wireless technology is the increased mobility. You will be able to sit at any place and access the web. Nowadays, we have plenty of gadgets which don’t have a Wired LAN port. You can use them to navigate the Internet at any time with wireless networks. You can buy tablets with SIM card functionality. Hence, you will be able to make voice calls as well including web browsing using a single device.
The next significant factor is to motivate and nurture the habit of Bring Your Device (BYOD) phenomenon. This means that employees can bring their laptops, tablets, and smartphones to their workplace and access the web securely. There is no need to make use of a gadget already used by other people.
The wireless network enables you to enhance productivity. This helps employees to collaborate as per their wishes, which will bring freedom of operation. Moreover, it will not only simplify life to a great extent but also increases the working speed.
Nowadays, you will find Wi-Fi hotspots in public places such as railway stations, airports and coffee shops. In India, Google had established a partnership with RailTel to provide Wireless connectivity in major railway stations free of cost. This scheme is working out very well since passengers can easily access web connectivity without any worry in a secured way.
Another big advantage of Wireless connectivity is that business houses can provide secured access to the network to visiting guests. They will be able to use their own devices to check their emails and navigating the web. With so many business people traveling worldwide for official purpose, it is imperative for them to provide them with secure web connectivity.
The big advantage of wireless networks is that ability to interact with friends and relatives across the world using voice over Internet protocol. During the year 1998 to 2000, people established this kind of connectivity using Microsoft Netmeeting over a wired network. But now you can make use of Google Hangouts to communicate real time over the web.
You can see the faces and location of the other party. Businesses can make use of Hangouts on a daily basis to know about the progress of the work.
Moreover, the use of wireless technology instead of a wired network can be profitable. This is because if the plinth area is larger, it will be expensive to install a wired network. If you opt for a wireless network, you only need to buy a DSL connection. Then you can make use of it to share across various laptops, computers, and gadgets.
That being said, the maintenance costs are lower unless there is a failure of the Modem equipment. You need not have to spend any extra cost for scaling up the connectivity. If you require boosting the signal, you need to purchase separate equipment.
Security of wireless networks
By default, wireless networks are not secured. You have to manually set a password for your connectivity with WEP protocol. This should be done by logging into 192.168.1.1 web address from your computer. If you are not securing your wireless connectivity, then your neighbors and other strangers will be able to sneak into your connection. They will be browsing the web without your knowledge. Your monthly bills and bandwidth will be increased. Hence, there is a need to immediately secure your Internet connectivity with a password, which no one can recognize. The password that you are setting should be hard to crack, and it consists of numbers, alphabets, and other symbols.
Conclusion
Wireless technology improves your lifestyle to a great extent. You will have the freedom to access the web anywhere as per your needs. In conjunction with several cloud service providers, you can work across various gadgets. You can access the files stored on your office PC from your home using either a PC or a compatible smartphone or tablet.
