Wireless

Wireless refers to data transmission without physical conductors, using electromagnetic waves or light signals. It enables devices to communicate over air, supporting mobility and rapid deployment. The field covers a range of technologies with varying ranges, data rates, and power needs.

Key wireless technologies include Wi‑Fi for local networks, Bluetooth for short-range device linking, cellular networks (2G–5G) for mobile access, satellite communications for global coverage, and RFID/NFC for identification and payments. Optical wireless and infrared links offer high-capacity, line-of-sight options; IoT often uses low-power protocols such as Zigbee and LoRaWAN.

Spectrum is regulated by national and international bodies. Unlicensed bands such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz support many devices but can suffer from interference. Higher bands, including millimeter-wave, provide more bandwidth at shorter ranges. Standards bodies like IEEE, 3GPP, and ITU coordinate interoperability.

Applications span homes, offices, mobile networks, industrial systems, and healthcare, enabling remote work, streaming, smart devices, and sensor networks. Security and privacy concerns include eavesdropping, spoofing, and interference; protections rely on encryption and secure protocols such as WPA3 and TLS.

Advantages include mobility, scalability, and flexible deployment; drawbacks include interference, range limitations, power use, and security risks. Future trends include 6G research, advanced beamforming, AI-driven network management, and expanded IoT with LPWANs and mesh networks.