Wireless Communication Systems Overview

The ability to use computers while moving or being away from a fixed location. It combines mobile communication (connecting while moving) and computing (processing tasks on a remote computer).

A network that uses radio waves to connect devices without physical cables. This enables mobile computing by providing the communication infrastructure.

The ability to quickly and easily set up a wireless network. It eliminates the need for complex wiring through walls.

Wireless networking provides flexibility by allowing access to networks in areas where wired connections are difficult or impossible.

While initial investment in wireless hardware may be higher, long-term cost savings can be achieved due to reduced cabling, easier maintenance, and flexibility for network changes.

The ability to perform computing tasks remotely, such as accessing data, running applications, or using online services, on another computer.

The capability to communicate and access data or services while changing location, which is a key component of mobile computing.

The ability for a network to simultaneously handle different types of data transfer, like web browsing, streaming, and calls, all at the same time.

The ability to connect to a large number of devices, crucial for technologies like the Internet of things (IoT) and smart homes.

A technology that uses multiple antennas for transmission and reception, drastically increasing data transfer speeds.

The complete shift towards wireless communication, making the internet accessible from anywhere, anytime.

The use of internet protocol (IP) for data transfer, enabling faster and more efficient communication.

A network that uses radio waves to connect devices without cables, allowing users to move freely while accessing data.

A network that uses fixed infrastructure (like base stations) to provide direct wireless communication to a wired network or other mobile devices.

A type of wireless network that doesn't rely on fixed infrastructure, instead using multi hop communication between devices directly.

A type of fixed infrastructure wireless network using the IEEE 802.11 protocol, commonly used for home and office internet access.

Applications designed for mobile devices, often with features optimized for smaller screens, touch input, and limited bandwidth.

The design and development of software that runs on mobile devices, taking into account specific user needs, device limitations and network constraints.

The hardware used by mobile devices to connect to wireless networks or access data.

The hardware used by fixed infrastructure wireless networks to provide wireless access to devices, such as base stations for cellular networks.

A layer in a software system specifically designed to store, manage, and access data. Often utilizes databases or file systems depending on the scale of data.

The area covered by a single base station in a cellular network. In practice, cells are irregular and overlap to some extent.

The central point in a cell responsible for receiving and transmitting communications between mobile handsets and the network.

The process by which a mobile handset seamlessly transfers its ongoing call from one base station to another as it moves between cells.

The practice of dividing existing cells into smaller ones to increase capacity and reduce call drops in densely populated areas.

The ability to split a coverage area into multiple smaller cells allowing for more efficient use of radio spectrum and better call quality.

A type of mobile communication where the area of coverage is split into cells, each with a base station. Commonly used for voice and data communication.

A set of standards and technologies for mobile communication that have evolved over time, each generation offering greater data rates and features.

The first generation of cellular networks, characterized by analog transmission, limited call capacity, poor voice quality, and lack of security.

Switching from one cell tower to another while maintaining a call as you move.

The second generation of cellular technology that utilizes digital transmission, improving bandwidth utilization, introducing new services, and significantly increasing call capacity.

A technology using digital encoding to transmit voice and data, enhancing signal clarity and efficient bandwidth use.

Techniques used for multiple users to share cellular network resources efficiently, like CDMA and TDMA.

A 2G technology that allows users to send short text messages.

The use of the same cell structure as 1G but with different signal modulation techniques in 2G.

A channel access technology used in 2G systems, where data is transmitted using different codes for each user.

A channel access technology used in 2G systems, where each user gets an assigned time slot to transmit data.

The deployment of 2G cellular networks, which started in the 1990s and involved two competing standards.