Types and standards for microwave RF links
With the advent, and now the proliferation, of wireless RF links, you’re rarely in a place where you can’t connect to the Internet. There are three main types of wireless RF links, not including radio stations and television networks. These are divided into the types of devices that can connect to them and include cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Transmission methods may include tower-mounted antennas, microwave dishes, and small desktop transceivers.
Types of wireless RF links
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Cellular are the three main types of radio-frequency-based wireless link systems. Cellular systems are obviously for cell phones and cell based adapters. Wi-Fi, whether it’s part of a local, metro, or wireless area network, supports Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as laptops, some personal digital assistants, and high-end cell phones. RF links based on Bluetooth technology allow Bluetooth-enabled devices such as cell phones, PDAs, and laptop computers to connect to an intranet or the Internet. Many cities provide Internet access through a Wi-Fi-based metropolitan area network to anyone in a place where the Wi-Fi signal can be received strong enough.
standards involved
Wireless RF links are based on international standards that govern various aspects of the link structure. For example, most Wi-Fi-enabled devices use equipment designed to work with the 802.11 G or N standards. This standard governs specifications such as the frequency used for transmission and reception, communication protocols, security, and connectivity. transmitter signal strength. Most cellular systems are Third or Fourth Generation based networks, operating on the Global System for Mobile Communications standard. With the proper antennas, both of these types of systems can operate over fairly large distances. Bluetooth is a short-range technology that’s great for keeping portable devices in sync with home or office computers.
Types of Antennas Used in Wireless RF Links
Basically, almost anything that conducts electricity can be used as an antenna. However, real antennas are optimized to give better transmission and reception results. Cellular systems operating over greater distances typically use specially constructed honeycomb antennas mounted on tall towers to achieve the greatest range. However, there are also cellular repeater antennas designed for use inside buildings that are mounted on the roof and are not much larger than a computer mouse. Wi-Fi antennas used in access points and routers inside buildings are made of rubber with a wire inside and are 6 to 8 inches long and about a third of an inch in diameter. Wi-Fi antennas used outdoors are tall masts mounted on towers for wide signal distribution or microwave antennas for line-of-sight signal transmission and reception. They are typically used to allow the networks of two buildings to communicate with each other without interference and in a semi-secure manner. USB Bluetooth adapters are typically no larger than a miniature.
Keep RF wireless links secure
If your business uses RF links on your network, data security should be an important consideration. Each of the types of systems used has built-in security. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth use security protocols such as Wireless Access Protocol, Wireless Encryption Protocol, and password authentication. With WAP and WEP-based security, users need to know the name of the wireless network they are connecting to, as well as a passcode or encryption key. The network name must be known before the end user can attempt to connect to it. The access code or encryption key is sent during the recognition and authentication process. With Bluetooth, once two devices “discover” each other, the device initiating the connection must send the appropriate passcode (usually a four-digit number) to the connecting device.
A properly configured and used wireless RF link can provide seamless integration for corporate networks, providing connections between desktop and portable devices.