Wireless Communication and Different Types of Wireless Communication Technologies

Ficky Hardianto
7 min readNov 6, 2020

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Nama : Ficky Hardianto
Jurusan : Sistem Informasi — K1
NIM : 185611077
STMIK AKAKOM Yogyakarta

Features of Wireless Communication

The evolution of wireless technology has brought many advancements with its effective features.

  • The transmitted distance can be anywhere between a few meters (for example, a television’s remote control) and thousands of kilometers (for example, radio communication).
  • Wireless communication can be used for cellular telephony, wireless access to the internet, wireless home networking, and so on.
  • Other examples of applications of radio wireless technology include GPS units, garage door openers, wireless computer mice, keyboards and headsets, headphones, radio receivers, satellite television, broadcast television and cordless telephones.

Types of Wireless Communication

The different types of wireless communication mainly include, IR wireless communication, satellite communication, broadcast radio, Microwave radio, Bluetooth, Zigbee etc.

Satellite Communication

Satellite communication is one type of self contained wireless communication technology, it is widely spread all over the world to allow users to stay connected almost anywhere on the earth. When the signal (a beam of modulated microwave) is sent near the satellite then, satellite amplifies the signal and sent it back to the antenna receiver which is located on the surface of the earth. Satellite communication contains two main components like the space segment and the ground segment.The ground segment consists of fixed or mobile transmission, reception and ancillary equipment and the space segment, which mainly is the satellite itself.

Satellite Communication

Satellite communication is one type of self contained wireless communication technology, it is widely spread all over the world to allow users to stay connected almost anywhere on the earth. When the signal (a beam of modulated microwave) is sent near the satellite then, satellite amplifies the signal and sent it back to the antenna receiver which is located on the surface of the earth. Satellite communication contains two main components like the space segment and the ground segment.The ground segment consists of fixed or mobile transmission, reception and ancillary equipment and the space segment, which mainly is the satellite itself.

Infrared Communication

Infrared wireless communication communicates information in a device or systems through IR radiation . IR is electromagnetic energy at a wavelength that is longer than that of red light. It is used for security control, TV remote control and short range communications. In the electromagnetic spectrum, IR radiation lies between microwaves and visible light. So, they can be used as a source of communication. For a successful infrared communication, a photo LED transmitter and a photo diode receptor are required. The LED transmitter transmits the IR signal in the form of non visible light, that is captured and saved by the photoreceptor. So the information between the source and the target is transferred in this way. The source and destination can be mobile phones, TVs, security systems, laptops etc supports wireless communication.

Broadcast Radio

The first wireless communication technology is the open radio communication to seek out widespread use, and it still serves a purpose nowadays. Handy multichannel radios permit a user to speak over short distances, whereas citizen’s band and maritime radios offer communication services for sailors. Ham radio enthusiasts share data and function emergency communication aids throughout disasters with their powerful broadcasting gear, and can even communicate digital information over the radio frequency spectrum. Mostly an audio broadcasting service, radio broadcasts sound through the air as radio waves. Radio uses a transmitter which is used to transmit the data in the form of radio waves to a receiving antenna(Different Types of Antennas). To broadcast common programming, stations are associated with the radio N/W’s. The broadcast happens either in simulcast or syndication or both. Radio broadcasting may be done via cable FM, the net and satellites. A broadcast sends information over long distances at up to two megabits/Sec (AM/FM Radio).

Microwave Communication

Microwave wireless communication is an effective type of communication, mainly this transmission uses radio waves, and the wavelengths of radio waves are measured in centimeters. In this communication, the data or information can be transfers using two methods. One is satellite method and another one is terrestrial method. Wherein satellite method, the data can be transmitted though a satellite, that orbit 22,300 miles above the earth. Stations on the earth send and receive data signals from the satellite with a frequency ranging from 11GHz-14GHz and with a transmission speed of 1Mbps to 10Mbps. In terrestrial method, in which two microwave towers with a clear line of sight between them are used, ensuring no obstacles to disrupt the line of sight. So it is used often for the purpose of privacy. The frequency range of the terrestrial system is typically 4GHz-6GHz and with a transmission speed is usually 1Mbps to 10Mbps.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a low power wireless communication, that is used by various electronic devices like smart phones, laptops, etc.In this setup, a router works as a communication hub wirelessly. These networks allow users to connect only within close proximity to a router. WiFi is very common in networking applications which affords portability wirelessly. These networks need to be protected with passwords for the purpose of security, otherwise it will access by others.

Mobile Communication Systems

The advancement of mobile networks is enumerated by generations. Many users communicate across a single frequency band through mobile phones. Cellular and cordless phones are two examples of devices which make use of wireless signals. Typically, cell phones have a larger range of networks to provide a coverage.But, Cordless phones have a limited range. Similar to GPS devices, some phones make use of signals from satellites to communicate.

Bluetooth Technology

The main function of the Bluetooth technology is that permits you to connect a various electronic devices wirelessly to a system for the transferring of data.Cell phones are connected to hands free earphones, mouse, wireless keyboard. By using Bluetooth device the information from one device to another device. This technology has various functions and it is used commonly in the wireless communication market.Wireless Communication

Terms in Mobile Telephony

Mobile Station (MS) − The Mobile Station (MS) communicates the information with the user and modifies it to the transmission protocols of the air interface to communicate with the BSS. The user information communicates with the MS through a microphone and speaker for the speech, keyboard and display for short messaging and the cable connection for other data terminals. The mobile station has two elements Mobile Equipment (ME) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM).

Mobile Equipment (ME) − ME is a piece of hardware that the customer purchases from the equipment manufacturer. The hardware piece contains all the components needed for the implementation of the protocols to interface with the user and the air-interface to the base stations.

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) − This is a smart card issued at the subscription to identify the specifications of a user such as address and type of service. The calls in the GSM are directed to the SIM rather than the terminal.

SMS are also stored in the SIM card. It carries every user’s personal information which enables a number of useful applications.

Base Station (BS) − A base station transmits and receives user data. When a mobile is only responsible for its user’s data transmission and reception, a base station is capable to handle the calls of several subscribers simultaneously.

Base Transceiver Station (BTS) − The user data transmission takes place between the mobile phone and the base station (BS) through the base transceiver station. A transceiver is a circuit which transmits and receives, i.e., does both.

Mobile Switching Center (MSC) − MSC is the hardware part of the wireless switch that can communicate with PSTN switches using the Signaling System 7 (SS7) protocol as well as other MSCs in the coverage area of a service provider. The MSC also provides for communication with other wired and wireless networks as well as support for registration and maintenance of the connection with the mobile stations.

The following image illustrates the parts of different sub-systems. HLR, VLR, EIR and AuC are the sub-systems of Network sub-system.

Channels − It is a range of frequency allotted to particular service or systems.

Control Channel − Radio channel used for transmission of call setup, call request, call initiation and other beacon or control purposes.

Forward Control Channel(FCC) − Radio channel used for transmission of information from the base station to the mobile

Reverse Channel(RC) − Radio channel used for transmission of information from the mobile to base station.

Voice Channel(VC) − Radio channel used for voice or data transmission.

Handoff − It is defined as the transferring a call from the channel or base station to another base station.

Roamer − A mobile station which operates in a service area other than that from which service has been subscribed

Transceiver − A device capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving radio signals.

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