What Are Different Types of Wireless Devices?

Wireless technology describes electronic devices that communicate without cords using radio frequency signals. Wireless technology is used in a variety of modern device to provide convenience and greater mobility, and wireless devices play an important role in voice and Internet communications.

A wireless router is a device that accepts an incoming Internet connection and sends data as RF signals to other wireless devices that are near the router. Wireless routers are used to connect wireless-enabled computers and other devices to the Internet. A network set up with a wireless router is sometimes called a wireless local area network (WLAN.). Many routers have built-in security features such as firewalls which help protect devices connected to the router against malicious data, such as computer viruses.

Wireless adapters are hardware devices installed inside computers that enable wireless connectivity. If a computer does not have a wireless adapter, it will not be able to connect to a router in order to access the Internet. Some computers have wireless adapters built directly into the motherboard while it is also possible to install stand-alone wireless adapters to add wireless capability to a computer that did not come with an adapter built in.

A wireless repeater is a wireless networking device that is used to extend the range of a router. A repeater receives wireless signals and then re-emits them with increased strength. By placing a repeater between a router and the computer connected to the router, signal strength can be boosted, resulting in faster connection speeds.

Cellular and cordless phones are two more examples of device that make use of wireless signals. Cordless phones have a limited range, but cell phones typically have a much larger range than local wireless networks, since cell phone providers use large telecommunication towers to provide cell phone coverage.Satellite phones make use of signals from satellites to communicate, similar to Global Positioning System (GSP) devices.

Anything that uses radio signals to communicate can be considered a wireless device. Common devices, such as garage door openers, baby monitors, certain video game consoles and walkie-talkies, make use of wireless technology.