Wireless Signals
Michelle Sargent
IT/242
April 10, 2011
Mark Burke
Wireless Signals
A wireless signal is a signal that is transported through the atmosphere. Both analog and digital signals are used to transmit data. Radio frequency (RF), Microwave signals, Satellite signals, and Infrared systems are all wireless signals. Each of these different signals are associated with a specific frequency on the wireless spectrum.
Radio Frequency
Radio frequencies have been used for decades that reside between 10 KHz and 1 GHz of the electromagnetic spectrum. Shortwave radio, VHF, and UHF all use radio frequency to transmit data. Low frequency radio waves have the advantage of passing through obstacles easily but utilize a smaller bandwidth. High frequencies tend to have more problems with interference from obstacles. Interference from electrical equipment can be a problem at all frequencies with radio transmission. Radio frequency is often used for radio transmission, telephones, paging, and other forms of personal communication systems (Lenovo, n.d.).
Microwave Signals
Microwave signals operate at a higher frequency than radio wave communication (Regan, 2004). Microwave signals travel in straight lines and require both the transmitting and receiving antennas to be aligned with each other. These signals cannot be transmitted through buildings and are subject to interference by atmospheric conditions such as rain and fog. To protect data transmitted through microwave signals, encryption techniques need to be used. Microwaves are used for many different applications. The most common use of microwaves are for long distance telephone, television, and cellular telephones (Regan, 2004).
Satellite Signals
Satellite signals depends on a satellite orbiting the earth and requires line-of-sight with the sending and receiving antennas being locked onto each other’s locations at all times (Regan, 2004). The satellites used for this type of data transmission are...