Looking Back: The Birth of the Wireless Internet

When taking a walk back to memory lane, it can be significantly noted that the internet that we know today is not far from the age of our grandparents. This modern technology that we enjoy at present is quite young as its name suggests. Taking into consideration that the Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) was only standardized by 1982, it was only in 1989 that the basic labels and figures of the World Wide Web became available under the light of Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

But to the surprise of many, wireless networks have existed even before the birth of a true internet. Dubbed as the very first wireless LAN (Local Area Network) in the world, the University of Hawaii’s ALOHNET paved the way to what is to become one of society’s greatest marvels. The 1971 innovation only had 7 computers working on it using radio signals based on early packets.

In the year 1985, a ruling was made by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission that led to the release of industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands to the public for unlicensed use. With this new hype, thousands of technology companies began constructing their own lines of gadgets and networks that allow wireless communication based on this frequency. However, it soon became obvious that allowing and maintaining compatibility among the new devices would be difficult, much more impossible, if no standards are released to usher this common use of the fairly new spectrum.

The answer to the prior problem was confirmed in 1997 and became known as the “Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ (IEEE) 802.11 definitions.” This is the new standard used by companies at the time to host their technological needs. 802.11 rings a bell? It should. This standard is what the current Wi-Fi is using as reference to products that employ this standards set. As you may have guessed, the original version of the 802.11 is now long gone and obsolete by today’s standards. What’s new? The 802.11n. This is the new standard used at the present and functions with antennas that is capable of working with multiple-input and –output series.

Following the creation of the 802.11 standard, cable modems and DSL soon became a popular trend. People were caught up with this new technology that being able to access the internet was short of a miraculous event. By then, Wi-Fi was introduced and started a new craze of itself.

Two years later of the release of 802.11, Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA) was created to help boost up the exposure of the new technology. To make the long story short, WECA is the birth place of what is Wi-Fi today. Not long after it created Wi-Fi, it decided to make a turn around and change its name to Wi-Fi Alliance in the year 2002. What does the Wi-Fi Alliance do? They are responsible for making sure that devices using the 802.11 standard are compliant of their terms so that interoperatability is guaranteed.

As we know it in the recent past, the evolution of wireless networks and internet accessibility had become a phenomenon in itself. It seems that people can no longer function without the internet as many vital economic and social modes run under its course. The generation of mobile broadband is among these advancements and had paved way to a more practical and enjoyable wireless lifestyle. A number of companies all over the world are continually introducing better gadgets and technologies to satisfy the needs of their growing consumers. An example is the WiMAX – a part of the IEEE 802.16 standard. This powerful novelty allows the use of wireless internet by operating signals over large distances similar to that of cellular phones.

Tired of Being Wired? Make the Switch!

Have you been stuck in one corner when using your computer because you’re still using the good ole and reliable LAN? Or do you have a Wi-Fi available but still confined to a limited area because you just can have it anywhere? Then make the switch and experience the power of wireless internet right at your fingertips. We at DIGITAL WORLD dedicate ourselves on bringing you the latest wireless technology from the leading companies of the world.

I’m happy with my present connection, why should I turn to wireless?

Although wired connections are still the most trusted way to access online servers, there ample situations where wireless connectivity is much more practical. For instance, businessmen can make use of wireless connections when they are always on the move. Businesses and the Internet today are partners and most companies use the internet for efficient communications with their clients and partners. There are also settings where wired connections is not an option for reasons such as the area is not personally owned or putting up wires could make the place unattractive, destroy walls, or may even be too complicated to install. Another reason can also be that the product that is used with the internet is not stationary is often transferred or transported from one place to another.

The top of the list on why wireless connections are now becoming a hit of the decade is the fact that they are inexpensive. Compared to wired connections, wireless options are very much affordable and portable. No cables are required and the labor of set-up is much simpler, if not, inexistent.

Does wireless connection perform as well as the wired versions?

In most instances, yes, wireless connections are just as reliable as the wired ones. Data signals are delivered to users quickly and safely that is as good as wired connections. But of course, there are some limitations. The wireless connections significantly have lower data volume capacity compared to the wired systems. Another issue is the latency of data conversions. Because of the handshaking protocol employed in wireless connections, the transmission of data often takes a longer time compared to wired versions. Finally, there are situations when wireless connections do not reach to users because of natural and man-made obstructions where wired users can have access anytime because of wire contact.

Both wired and wireless connections have their own set of negative aspects. The wired versions are commonly interrupted by physical reasons such as disturbance of the wires or maintenance shut down. For wireless connections, it is commonly disrupted by boundaries and interfering signals in the area.

Why should I use wireless connections?

The main reason of using wireless connections at the present is primarily related to being mobile. Due to the fast evolution of human needs in the arena of business and communications, people can no longer seem to stay put in one place. All of us need to be somewhere all the time and we need the power of the internet to communicate with each other to complete transactions or just simply have some fun.

Worried about the cons of wireless connectivity? Don’t be. Major telecommunication companies are now developing the future of wireless internet. More and more modern methods and capabilities of rendering a better, faster, and reliable service is offered to worldwide users. The campaign for wireless connections is just getting started.

Over half of the adult American population is now using wireless means to connect to the internet. Most of these are done through mobile devices such as cellphones, tablets, laptops, and game consoles. So if you’re that kind of person who does not want to let go of the computer and stay connected online all the time, then wireless is the way to go. Although this fascinating technology have some flaws in itself, it is now a trending addition to homes, schools, and businesses.