Advantages and Disadvantages of Wireless Communication

The term "wireless" refers to communication and data transmission without wires.

The wide term "wireless communication" refers to the linking and communication of two or more devices using wireless communication techniques and tools.

The most dynamic and rapidly expanding technology area in the communication industry is wireless communication. Information can be transmitted wirelessly from one location to another without using physical mediums like wires, cables, or other connections. In a communication system, information is typically sent across a short distance from a transmitter to a receiver. With wireless communication, the transmitter and receiver can be positioned anywhere from a few meters (similar to a TV remote control) to a few thousand kilometers away (Satellite Communication).

Types of Wireless Communication

1. Satellite Communication

Satellite communication is a type of self-contained wireless technology widely utilized globally to allow users to remain connected virtually anywhere on the earth. The space and ground segments are the two key components of satellite communication. The main element of the space segment is the satellite itself, whereas the ground element consists of fixed or mobile transmission, reception, and support equipment. The antenna receiver is located on the earth's surface and receives the signal when the satellite is close by, amplifying it and sending it back (a modulated microwave beam).

2. Infrared Communication

Electromagnetic energy with a wavelength longer than red light is known as infrared energy (IR). Infrared radiation is used in wireless infrared communication to send data inside a system or device. It is employed for short-range communications, TV remote control, and security control. IR radiation lies between microwaves and visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum. They can therefore be a means of communication.

3. Broadcast Radio

Open radio communication was the first wireless technology to seek general adoption, and it still has applications today. Portable multichannel radios enable users to communicate over short distances, whereas maritime and citizen's band radios serve as a means of communication for sailors. During emergencies, ham radio enthusiasts use emergency communication aids and disseminate information using their powerful broadcasting equipment. They can even transmit digital data across radio waves.

4. WiFi

Wireless portability is made possible by the widespread use of WiFi in networking applications. Smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices use WiFi, a low-power wireless communication technology. In this system, a router serves as a wireless communication hub. Users of these networks can connect only if they are close to a router. These networks need password-protected for security reasons; otherwise, others can access them.

5. Mobile Communication Systems

Mobile network development is broken down into generations. Many people use mobile phones to communicate over a single-frequency band. Two examples of gadgets that employ wireless transmissions are cellular and cordless phones. Cell phones typically have a wider variety of networks to offer coverage. But the range of cordless phones is constrained. Some phones use satellite signals to communicate, much like GPS units do.

6. Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth technology's main goal is to make it possible for systems and various electrical devices to transport data wirelessly. Using wireless keyboards, mice, and hands-free headphones is possible with mobile devices. When Bluetooth connects two devices, data can be transmitted between them. The wireless communication sector makes extensive use of this technology for a variety of functions.

7. Global Positioning System (GPS)

Global positioning systems, or GPS, are a type of satellite communication. Different wireless services, including speed, location, navigation, placement using satellites, and GPS receivers, are provided by this type of technology to assist.

Advantages of Wireless Communication

1. Flexibility

When it comes to installation options, wireless communications systems are very flexible. In contrast to wired systems, which depend on the location and building's structure, wireless systems can be installed practically anywhere. For instance, a wired internet system needs a building that can accommodate drilling for wiring, which might not be feasible for glass, tented, or historic buildings.

People may stay in touch wherever they are due to wireless communications. You can send an urgent email even if you're not in the office.

Satellite connections can be used in far-off places like mines or resort hotels to make phone calls and access the internet, keeping people connected to the outside world even when they are thousands of miles from civilization.

2. Convenience and Mobility

People need to be continually linked, even while they're moving about, due to the increased use of social media networks and email as communication tools. While wireless communication devices are transportable and may be moved anywhere, wired communication systems are fixed in the installation location and cannot be moved.

Wireless communications allow you to move freely and remain connected to the network. Wireless networks work with various devices, whether desktop computers, laptops, or smartphones. Now, presuming the meeting location has internet ports to plug into in the first place, you may leave your office and go to a meeting and still be connected without lugging cables with you.

3. Speed & Stability

The speed and stability of communications have both increased because of wireless communication. Recall the days when a telephone pole outside your house would collapse on a rainy day, cutting off your landline phone service. Or when it took a very long time for a telephone provider to come and fix a cable cut due to an accident or simple wear and tear?

Such problems are no longer a concern because of smartphones. The same is true for wired internet connections; interruption rates were significantly greater than when using a wireless system, saving you vital time and money on maintenance and repairs.

4. Ease of Installation & Scalability

Wired communications installation is expensive and time-consuming. Even after installation, additional money will be needed to scale the system to support new devices or users. If you are located in a distant place, you should consider how long it will take to dig trenches, install wires, and give the project additional time.

When using wireless communication, initial setup is simpler, and adding new users to the network doesn't require further installation. As with WiFi connections, you must provide them with their login information to get someone connected .

Disadvantages of Wireless communication

1. Security

Utilizing wireless networks raises serious security concerns. An improperly installed or managed wireless network could pose serious security risks. A wireless network does not require physical connections like wires. They merely require a wireless adaptor, which raises the risk of hacking because hackers may easily enter the network. A worsening of the situation may occur if the network has password protection.

2. Speed

The wireless network's speed is less rapid than that of wired networks. In a wireless network, file transfers and file sharing are much slower. The location of the user on the network affects performance as well. The connection degrades more rapidly the further the user is away from the network. For vast areas or buildings, this is a major issue.

3. Prone to Interference

There is a high chance of interference and jamming in wireless networks because of environmental variables like dust storms or fog. When too many users are in one area, the air band that the signals are transported across can become overloaded. A wireless network could become unreliable due to fog, radiation, radio waves, or any other type of interference since wireless networks are particularly prone to interference.

4. Requires Basic Computer Knowledge

A basic understanding of computers is necessary to set up a wireless network. Installing a wireless network might be difficult for people with little computer skills. Security is risky, and those networks are easy targets for hackers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as technology develops, people can anticipate the widespread use of wireless communications. The world can become much more efficient because of wireless communications, which have several advantages. As with every other new development created in the modern world, it does have drawbacks. The potential advancement of wireless technology is being stifled by a number of factors, including security concerns around access to a person's personal information or the perceived detrimental effects on society. It is possible to lessen the issues with wireless communications and increase its significance around the globe by conducting more research and tests.