Wireless Modems
Friday, January 8th, 2010Wireless modems are devices that allow computers to connect to a wireless local area network (WLAN) without physical cabling such as ethernet wiring. Wireless modems use cellular, satellite or WiFi protocols to connect to a WLAN, which can then provide Internet service. This differs from dial-up and DSL modems which use telephone lines to connect to the Internet, while cable modems use cable TV lines for connectivity.
For mobile applications, a PCMCIA wireless modem card in a laptop can provide access to the Internet through public “hotspots.” These are geographical areas where WLANs allow public Internet access via wireless modems. In some cases a small membership fee is required, while other hotspots are free.
Various wireless networks use proprietary protocols, and wireless modems are certified as compatible with certain architecture(s). Some protocols, like CDPD (Verizon), GPRS and EDGE (AT&T and Cingular), are even slower than dialup; while Cellular UMTS (AT&T) and 1xRTT (Verizon) wireless networks can operate at about 300 kilobits per second (kbs). A newer cellular flavor offered by Verizon and Sprint, EVDO, advertises speeds of 400-700 kbs, rivaling broadband packages. Future technologies including Cingular’s HSDPA and Verizon’s EVDV promise even greater speeds.
Another popular network for mobile wireless modems is WiFi (Wireless fidelity), which can operate at a respectable 400 kbps. WiFi is used in many Internet cafés and other hotspots. WiFiMax is a newer standard that offers even faster speeds and more features.
