Learn about the Types of Wireless Networks

It is difficult to categorize and compare Wireless data networks because there is such a large number and variety of them.

Some, like mobile telephone networks run over wireless voice networks: CPDP, HSCSD, PDC-P, and GPRS. Others run on their own physical layer networks, utilizing antennas built into handheld devices and large antennas mounted on towers like 802.11, LMDS, and MMDS.

A few are intended to connect only small devices over short distances, like Bluetooth.

Wireless networks that run over other wireless networks may use the lower layer networks for security and encryption. Stand-alone wireless networks can have their own security and encryption features or rely upon Virtual Private Networks to provide security. Multiple layers of security and encryption are desirable.

Some wireless networks are fixed (their antennas do not move frequently). Other networks are mobile (the antennas move constantly). They may operate either on licensed or unlicensed portions of the frequency spectrum.

Common Wireless Network Types

These are major types of wireless networks:

CDPD Cellular Digital Packet Data

HSCSD High Speed Circuit Switched Data

PDC-P Packet Data Cellular

GPRS General Packet Radio Service

1xRTT 1x Radio Transmission Technology

Bluetooth

IrDA

MMDS Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service

LMDS Local Multipoint Distribution Service

WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access

802.11 Wi-Fi