What are wireless modems?

Wireless modems are devices that allow computers to connect to a wireless local network (WLAN) without physical cabling, such as Ethernet. They use wireless modems to connect to WLAN, which can then provide internet service. This differs from dialing and DSL models that use telephone lines to connect to the Internet, while cable modems use cable television lines.

For mobile applications, the PCMCIA wireless modem can provide access to the Internet via public "hotspots" in the notebook. These are geographical areas where WLANS enables public access to the Internet through wireless modems. In some cases a small membership fee is required, while other hotspots are free. Some protocols such as CDPD (Verizon), GPRS and Edge (AT&T and Cingular) are even slower than dialing; While cellular UMTS (AT&T) Abezdrate network 1xrtt (Verizon) can work at about 300 kilobite per second (KBS). NewFarning cellular flavor offered by Verizon and Sprint, EVDO, advertising 400-700 kbs, competing with broadband packages. Future technologies, including Cingular's HSDPA and Verizon EVDV, promise even higher speeds. WiFi is used in many internet cafes and other hotspots. Wifimax is a newer standard that offers even faster speeds and more features.

Because wireless modems are certified as compatible with specific standards and protocols, you should be sure that the modem you buy has the capabilities needed for the network you want to connect to.

General functions that need to be found in wireless modems are:

• speed modem. Supported protocols: Ethernet, CPCD, GPRS, ISDN, EVDO, WIFI etc.
• Frequency band: 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 HHz, 23 GHz, VHF and UHF.
• radio technique: spectrum of direct sequence sequence sequencence or frequency mutton.
• Number of channels for transmission and receiving.
• Maximum signal strength.
• complete duplex capacity vs. Half Duplex (complete duplex permission of simultaneous transmission/reception for faster data transmission).

DSL or Internet access cable in your house or office can also be set using a wireless broadband modem. In this case, all household computers can communicate with a broadband modem through wireless adapter cards, eliminating the need for physical wire between each table/notebook and a modem. Wireless network cards that can be PCMCIA or external adapters using a USB port should be the same manufacturer as a wireless modem/router, or clearly state that they are compatible with such.

If new in the network, before purchasing wireless modemus or other network devices, it is best to ask for the help of an informed consultant or a qualified seller.