The Computer Revolution/Networks/Four Types of Wireless Communications

1. Infrared Wireless Transmission- "Tranmission of data signals using infrared-light waves"(williams/sayer,2007) These infrared-light waves are at a frequency too low for human eyes to receive and interpret. Infrared ports can be found in digital cameras, laptops, and printers as well as wireless mice.

'Advantages'

• no cords

'Disavantages'

• Line-of-sight communication is required-there must be an unobstructed view between transmitter and receiver

'Examples'

http://www.computer-accessories.biz/mouse/wireless_mouse.htm

1. Broadcast Radio- a wireless transmission medium that sends data over long distances (regions, states, countries) at up to 2 megabits per second (AM/FM Radio)
2. Microwave Radio- Transmission of voice and data through the atmosphere as super high-frequency radio waves called microwaves. These frequencies are used to transmit messages between ground-based stations and satellite communications systems. (Williams & Sawyer, 2007).
3. Communications Satellites- are microwave relay stations in orbit around the earth.

A communications satellite (sometimes abbreviated to comsat) is an artificial satellite stationed in space for the purposes of telecommunications.

Reference: Williams B. & Sawyer, S. (2007). Italic textUsing Information Technology-A Practical Introduction to Computers & Communications. Boston: McGraw-Hill Irwin.