Types of Wireless Internet
You can choose among three different kinds of wireless connections: wide area, local area and personal area. There are also three possible types of connections to wireless: cellular, hotspots and satellite. Whatever you choose depends on personal preference and your location at the time you want to connect.
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Wide Area Network
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Wide area networks are provided by a cellular company. Either you buy a device to plug into your computer, or you're given a password and user name to be able to log in to it wherever the service is provided.
Local Area Network
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Local area networks are used for a specified area. Such as a corporate building, airport or even hospital. It can be set up to provide wireless Internet within a certain radius. This is usually the type of network used inside homes as well; they can only be used within a certain radius, usually designated by you or your provider. You may need a user name or password to access this network. There are occasionally unsecured networks, but these are not recommended to connect to, since someone can easily access your information when you're connected.
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Personal Area Network
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Personal area network is when one device attaches onto a wireless network. For example, your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone uses the wireless network from your home provider to access files on your computer. Or when your printer uses the wireless network to connect to your computer. The personal area network basically leeches off of an existing connection.
Cellular
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Cellular Internet means accessing wireless through a cell phone provider. This can either mean accessing it directly on your phone, or by purchasing a USB device from your cellular provider and accessing wireless on your computer using said cellular provider. This service uses the wide area network. They'll usually give you a password and user name.
Hotspots
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Hotspots are offered practically everywhere. Businesses offer hotspots in order to attract customers. You can find hotspots easily by spotting the sign in the window that states: "WiFi Here" or "Hotspot." Some may offer it for free, others may charge a fee. Most will require a user name and password, because they don't want it to be unsecured. Hotspots use the personal area network.
Satellite
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Satellite usually isn't offered to civilians. The military, transportation or oil industries use satellite to be able to communicate anywhere at any time.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit resnet.bcu.ac.uk
