Electronic Communication Systems: The World of Wireless Communication
by Yuvi K - December 18, 2023
Electronic Communication Systems – The World of Wireless Communication
We live in a world of communication technology that would have been unimaginable just a few decades ago. Electronic communication technology has transformed how officers in the Field, experts in boardrooms and professionals in manufacturing plants get and share information both locally and remotely.
As this occurs, the ‘information highway’ has become more cluttered making it more complicated to manage it all. Here, we are taking a look at wireless communication systems and understanding how they are helping bridge both physical and digital networks.
What is Wireless Communication?
Wireless communication systems, also known as radio communication, is a type of communication that doesn’t need any wires or cables to connect a message between two or more locations. Its primary use is to bridge communications within two or more remote points, but it can also be used to create networks that can cover a wide area from where users can exchange data with each other.
Applications of Wireless Communication
Wireless communication technology is used in a variety of applications including so-called ‘smart’ metering for energy and water consumption, and controlling remote devices such as unmanned aircraft or industry robots.
Smartphones are probably the most familiar example of modern wireless communication technology, but Wi-Fi enabled laptops and desktop computers also use wireless technology to connect to the internet.
History and Types of Wireless Communication
Radio waves have been used for wireless communication since 1901, when Guglielmo Marconi invented them. Different frequency bands of radio waves are used for various purposes, including cellular phones, radio, TV, satellite communications and Wi-Fi.
Other types of wireless communication include infrared and ultraviolet light waves, Bluetooth, near-field-communication (NFC), and short-message-service (SMS).
Benefits of Wireless Communication
Wireless communication offers benefits such as:
- Cost savings: Wireless communication systems are more efficient in terms of hardware costs. There is no need for cables or wires to be installed, which drastically cuts down on installation and maintenance costs.
- Usage freedom: Wireless communication makes it possible to move around and still remain within the communication network. This includes on-the-move communication such as with a cell phone, or working remotely from other locations.
- Enhanced security: Using wireless communication can lead to improved security, since user activity can be monitored and controlled remotely.
- Flexibility: It is easier to change network infrastructure than it is to change wired communication systems, making it more scalable and flexible.
Disadvantages of Wireless Communication
Despite its advantages, there are also some disadvantages associated with wireless communication:
- Signal Interference: Signals can be weakened, impaired, and dropped due to interference from other wireless signals, physical obstacles, and environmental conditions.
- Data Security: There is increased vulnerability to unauthorized access and data theft since the wireless network signals are transmitted in the open air, making it easier for cybercriminals to intercept data.
- Transmission Limitations: Wireless communication generally has a shorter transmission distance and slower transfer speed than wired communication.
Conclusion
The advent of wireless communication has revolutionized how we communicate and access information. It has enabled faster data exchange rates that have led to the emergence of applications such as streaming media, online gaming, and e-commerce. While wireless communication systems offer certain advantages, they also come with certain risks. Therefore, understanding their benefits and drawbacks can help organizations decide whether or not to implement them.
