The Basics of Wired and Wireless Communications

Introduction

Electronic products exchange information externally via two general types: wired (Ethernet LAN) and wireless (WLAN). Wired communication uses a physical medium, such as a copper cable or optical fiber, to transmit data. Wireless communication uses radio waves to transmit data.

Ethernet is a wired LAN technology that uses copper cables or optical fibers to transmit data. Ethernet is a popular choice for wired LANs because it is reliable, efficient, and relatively inexpensive.

Wireless communications use radio waves to transmit data. Wireless communications are a popular choice for LANs because they are convenient and easy to install. There are two main types of wireless communications:

• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a popular wireless LAN technology that uses radio waves to transmit data. Wi-Fi is a good choice for wireless LANs because it is reliable, efficient, and relatively inexpensive.

• Bluetooth: Bluetooth is a wireless personal area network (PAN) technology that uses radio waves to transmit data. Bluetooth is a good choice for PANs because it is convenient and easy to use.

Topics:

• Ethernet

• Wireless Communications

Summary

• Wired communication is a reliable and efficient way to transmit data, but it can be inconvenient to install.

• Wireless communication is a convenient and easy way to transmit data, but it can be less reliable than wired communication.

• Ethernet is a popular wired LAN technology that is reliable, efficient, and relatively inexpensive.

• Wi-Fi is a popular wireless LAN technology that is reliable, efficient, and relatively inexpensive.

• Bluetooth is a wireless PAN technology that is convenient and easy to use.

This primer has introduced the basics of wired and wireless communications. We have discussed the different types of wired and wireless communications, and the advantages and disadvantages of each type. These topics are essential for understanding how wired and wireless communications work and how to choose the right type of communication for a particular application.