Wireless connectivity isn’t just an important tool. Rather, wireless technologies are arguably one of the foundational elements of the modern world. But what makes wireless connectivity possible in the first place? While a vast number of discoveries were needed for wireless technologies to propagate, the following five are among the most important.
1. Semiconductors
Semiconductors are the foundation of most modern, high-tech solutions. The term semiconductor doesn’t do justice to these materials. They can be more accurately thought of as selective or controlled conductors as they allow for fine control over conductivity levels. A semiconductor can be used to dampen or amplify signals within electronics. This, in turn, allows for the creation of the circuits that are an essential part of modern electronics. Likewise, it’s part of the reason why wireless technologies can fit into such tiny form factors rather than requiring something the size of bulky analog receivers.
2. Cell Towers
Cell towers play an important role in modern wireless technologies. The most obvious use is in cell phones. Everything from making a call to looking something up on the Internet is possible because of cell towers. A tower is typically connected through physical cables to an existing digital network. The tower then acts as a relay point for the high-speed physical connection. However, in some cases, the tower itself might connect to an existing wireless network.
3. Satellites
Satellites open up the possibility of truly global networks. Cell towers are powerful, but they still have a focus on one central physical connection. However, satellites are entirely wireless in terms of independent operation. What’s more, they can reach anywhere in the world. Orbit does create some limitations, of course. However, in many areas of the world, the only form of network access comes through satellite. And many cell towers use satellites as a fallback option to ensure full coverage. This is often the case in rural areas. However, many cell towers have satellites as a fallback option in case of disruption by natural disasters.
4. Bluetooth
Bluetooth has been around for a surprisingly long time. The technology’s genesis dates back to the late 1990s when IBM was interested in adding cellular networking to its ThinkPads. This wasn’t feasible at the time. However, connecting laptops to cell phones was feasible. This led to the standardization of Bluetooth. Since then Bluetooth has become a standard for various types of communication. Everything from wireless audio to wireless data is transmitted over Bluetooth.
5. Mobile Phones and Social Propagation
The mention of cell phones brings up the subject of exponential growth and propagation. One of the most important elements of wireless connectivity is demand from the people using it. Wireless technologies rely on individual points of propagation. In order to grow a network, you need to grow the user base. Phones are a readily apparent example of this phenomenon.
People have come to see smartphones as a necessity. This means that everyone has a device capable of acting as sender, receiver, and extender of wireless networks. It also increases demand for cell towers and satellites, which make wireless phones possible. It’s easy to say that smartphones are an essential component of modern wireless systems. However, it’s more accurate to say that it’s a combination of smartphones and a culture that embraces them because this appreciation is what creates the demand for further propagation of the other foundational technologies.
Published by: Annie P.
