Wireless Technologies - Research Paper Example

? Wireless Technologies Wireless Technologies: Research Paper Wireless technologies have become a part of our routine lives. FromT.V. remote controllers to the cellular devices, computers and laptops everything is now operated through the integrated wireless technology (Comer, 2008). Fundamentally, it is based upon the radio waves and electromagnetism which supports the safe, fast and reliable data transference (Mathias, 2004). This paper aims to discuss wireless technologies with respect to its initial development, current status and the future prospects. Introduction to Wireless Technologies Few decades back the wireless technology was an unreal phenomenon for a common man but today millions of people communicate with each other through the wireless networks. This clearly represents that the wireless technology has undergone tremendous success in the last few years which has made it not only publically available rather it has also advanced the computer communication systems. In broader terms, wireless technology has its roots in the radio waves which travel through the space with the help of electronic signals (Mathias, 2004). Comer in his book related to the computer networking argues that no single model can actually explain the real theory behind the development of wireless technology (Comer, 2008). However, this can only be understood by rigorously investigating the initial development of electricity, electromagnetism and the radio waves. Although the wireless technology is significantly complex in nature but it has brought flexibility, value and ease in terms of communication and business networking. It functions on the basis of electromagnetic energy such as the radio waves, laser, infrared etc. The most common examples of wireless technology are the T.V. remote controller and the cellular devices. In internet or Local Area Networks more complex forms of data transferring systems are used which help in fast communication between two or more computers. This signifies that the fundamental purpose of wireless technologies is to provide safe and reliable platform for data transference. Hence the modern scientists are now striving to increase the strength of wireless internet (Mathias, 2004). Wireless Technologies of the Past How and why Wireless Technology was first developed? Research indicates that the wireless technology was actually initiated some 200 years ago when Benjamin Franklin conducted his renowned kite experiment. The radios, mobile phones and the internet that we use today are a result of continuous improvement and experiments over the time. Wireless Technology does not evolved through single experiment rather it was followed by electromagnetic theory, highly significant inventions and the development of radio waves (Mathias, 2004). In 1747, Franklin actually proposed an electricity model which gave way to the development of fast, highly reliable and cheap wireless system. Franklin was primarily working on the electricity generation however, during his experiments he realized and later concluded that electricity can actually move through the air medium. In 1819, A Danish physicist identified the astonishing relationship between magnetic and electric field. He observed that the needle of a compass was moving when placed into the electric field. This phenomenon was later termed as electromagnetism. Michael Faraday, in 1831 built the very first generator which was operated through direct current. Although his experiment was not beneficial in the way of wireless technology but it did provide a clear way to the future scientists to work upon (Mathias, 2004). Later James Clerk Maxwell gave the theories on electromagnetic waves travelling through the space. These actually laid the foundation of wireless technology. These equations were then used by Heinrich Hertz who invented the oscillator in 1887 which helped in the creation of radio waves. Thereafter the FM radio, electronic tube and the digital decoding systems were developed. These were then linked with the wireless computer networking. This initiated the modern internet devices which work upon the historic equations and radio waves developed century before (Mathias, 2004). Where has Wireless Technologies evolved into? The above discussion reveals that wireless technology came into existence with the development of electricity, electromagnetism and finally the radio waves. However, in the last few years it has dramatically evolved in terms of data transference capacity. Within no time the computer industry has undergone the extreme data rate provision of 2Mbps then 11 Mbps and now 54 Mbps. Initially the air interface was working upon 802.11 standards. This was rather a slow and limited data transferring system which could be operated only in 20MHz channel. Later, it was combined with a coding scheme and modulation system (Holt, 2005). This is also known as CCK which immensely increased the wireless efficiency. Again the 801.11b was standardized with OFDM which gave way to the wideband spectrum and consequently the wireless technology reached up to the level of 54Mbps. Presently, IEEE is trying to define the next generation of wireless technology with a capacity of 600 Mbps. Along with this the developments of cooperative diversity will actually enable the design and production of low power wireless products (Holt, 2005). Wireless Technologies of the Present Wireless Technology in Business Security: Many contemporary businesses are now using the most reliable and convenient wireless technology. The wireless local area network devices are significantly flexible as they can be moved around with the laptop in a designated area. Since the wireless technology fundamentally facilitates people and organizations to transfer data from one place to another with the help of radio waves therefore there are chances of intrusion and theft. Hence ensuring the secure wireless networking is essential particularly for the businesses. There are significant security risks for the wireless users, for instance, the intruders can easily access their systems while destroying the sensitive information (Radack, 2012). They can also introduce harmful viruses in to the networking which can tie up the bandwidth while refusing safe services to the authorized users. In order to tackle all these issues following recommendations are made (Radack, 2012): Build awareness about the wireless network’s topology. Constantly maintain backup files of all the important and sensitive information. The wireless networking systems should be analyzed and assessed on periodic basis. Keep tract of the changes in the industry wireless technology standards and the enhancements in the overall security features. Monitor the updates in wireless industry regarding the new threats, viruses and vulnerabilities. Bring Your Own Device: Few organizations also encourage the use of personal wireless networking devices in order to reduce the security risks and also to cut down the networking costs. Wireless personal networks are significantly useful for data sharing and also for the use of different online applications (Radack, 2012). These are usually attached to the peripheral device connections of a laptop while giving a highly compatible user interface. Employees having personal wireless devices can actually synchronize their cell phone and personal computer’s data whereas they can also easily avail the mailing services, web browsing etc. However, these personal devices are also associated with the similar wireless networking risks. Either an individual is using office wireless system or personal digital assistants (PADs) the risk of theft, illegal data usage and the loss of sensitive information always remain there. Hence it is important to implement the above mentioned security strategies (Radack, 2012). Wireless Technology for the Public Wi-Fi Hot Spots: Wi-Fi Hot Spots are the contemporary form of wireless internet. These are basically small devices which functions on radio waves. They are primarily available in public places including shopping malls, cinemas, hotels, cafe, airports etc. Presently, business and educational institutions are using the Wi-Fi hot spots in order to support their internal communication networks (Comer, 2008). These actually require a Wi-Fi device which is connected to a computer and to an electronic adaptor. Public wireless internet usually needs a subscription so the people at the server can monitor the usage of internet while also eliminating the potential security risks. In addition to this the Wi-Fi hot spots are further protected with codes and passwords. These are extensively used due to the ease in data transference while on the other hand they help in monitoring the online activities of people especially in the office setting (Comer, 2008). Security: Despite of various precautionary measures in regard to the security of wireless networking available at public places external interference and intruding activities are possible. Hence following measures can be taken in order to deal with the security issues (Radack, 2012). There should be a random auditing system which can ensure secure networks and permissible data transference through local wireless systems. It would be more feasible to label and keep the devices associated with the government authorities or the authorized public dealers. This would be helpful in identifying the intruders. Use of security enhancements and patches should be encouraged at public places. Moreover, users should be given proper awareness prior to using the public Wi-Fi Hot Spots. Security agencies can also randomly have the security audits to catch the unauthorized wireless systems or personal devices. Personal information over Wireless: Where wireless technology has brought significant ease to the lives of people it has also put their personal information to a greater risk (Comer, 2008). For instance, businesses and individuals are transferring their bank account data, medical information and other personal attributes through the wireless networks. These can be easily hacked by intruders who can later blackmail the owners. Furthermore, in case of public Wi-Fi hot spots it is significantly difficult to catch the real culprit if the precautionary security measures are not considered before. Therefore it would be beneficial for the organizations and individuals to use safe wireless networks while keeping a backup of all their personal information (Comer, 2008). Wireless Technology for the Home Home Wireless Technologies: Wireless technology designed for homes is somewhat similar to the public Wi-Fi hot spots with the variation in capacity and other related features. For instance, home wireless networks work on all the computers and laptops within the place. These are usually protected with passwords. In few circumstances a single Wi-Fi device can be used for different homes within the locality. Moreover, they support the mobile phone networks and tablets. Home wireless technology gives the ease and flexibility of online browsing, business networking and communication services all within the comfort of home (Comer, 2008). Wireless Technologies of the Future What the future holds for Wireless Technology? Wireless Business Technologies: Future wireless business technology would revolve around the concept of networking which is always available and accessible anywhere at any time. On the other hand retail businesses, transportation services or the restaurants will work solely on the concept of wireless technology. For instance, the restaurant will have touch-screen service tables, buses will be having touch doors and the retail stores will have self service counters based on wireless technology. Moreover, cell phones will have the complete television setup while national or international video calls will become a norm. In true business sense all these advancements in the wireless technologies will actually support economic development whereas it will also give way to numerous business opportunities (Woyke, 2011). Public Wireless Technologies: Future public wireless technology would only have one barrier and that is the payment for the services. For instance, as soon as people make their payments at the authorized public internet service providers then immediately they would be given the access to secure networks. However, such an easy and frequent access to the internet will impact the social norms and the concept of privacy as people within the same network would be able to communicate beyond the necessary limitations (Mock, 2011). Home Wireless Technologies: The current wireless technology has evolved over the period of decades and it has changed our life style to a considerable level. Previously, the communication was driven by devices attached to the walls then they transformed into the cell phones and in future researchers are expected to have something which would not require human physical activity to perform different tasks. This can be substantiated on the basis of artificially intelligent devices. In future home wireless technology would not only be ‘wireless’ rather it will work upon the mental speech which will subsequently perform the role of telepath (Mock, 2011). Conclusion Wireless technology was initiated with the development of electricity some 200 hundreds years back. Since then it has been undergoing significant changes which have led to its current status. Today, wireless technology is not limited to the T.V. remote controllers rather it is now extensively used in cellular devices, laptops and computers. Literally, wireless technology refers to the fast data transference with the use of radio waves. This is now related to the Wi-Fi system and touch-screen devices. Business operations have become even faster than before due to the use of wireless communications while on the other hand people are able to use public internet services frequently. All of these advancements have actually increased the cyber crime and illegal activities of intruders. This is primarily because of the fact that wireless networks contain significant personal data of people and official information related to different organizations. Moreover, the online banking systems have given way to the possible interruption in financial transactions. Hence it is highly significant to use secure wireless services while taking extra precautionary measures such as use of passwords and labeled devices. In addition to this the law enforcement agencies should perform periodic or random auditing of networks so as to identify the possible threats. Wireless technology is going to be even advanced in future, for instance, the retail businesses and transportation services will solely based upon wireless communication systems. On the other hand the public Wi-Fi services will become more user friendly and people will be able to integrate their televisions, cell phones and laptops with a single home wireless device. References Comer, D. E. (2008). Computer Networks and Internets with Internet Applications. USA: Prentice Hall. Holt, K. (2005). Wireless LAN: Past, Present, and Future. Intel Corporation, 1530-1591. Mathias, C. (2004). A Brief History of Wireless Technology. Retrieved December 21, 2013, from IT World. Mock, D. (2011). Envisioning A Wireless Furture. Retrieved December 21, 2013, from CNET. Radack, S. (2012). Security For Wireless Networks and Devices. Retrieved December 21, 2013, from NIST: Information Technology Laboratory . Woyke, E. (2011). The Future Of Wireless. Retrieved December 21, 2013, from Forbes. Read More