ng its driving force, it is also one of the top growth areas in telecommunications today. But questions do arise regarding data integrity when being transmitted. In wireless media, there are three different types of LANs. They are Infrared, Microwave, and the SST (Spread Spectrum Technology)(refer to the chart on page 6; www.datapro.com, Wireless LAN). Most of us are familiar with the Infrared technology. We use it everyday in our homes such as Television remote controls. Infrared signals can be transmitted in two different manners. The laser method compresses the beam so it can be easily modulated allowing it to transmit data up to 16 Kilometers. LEDs are another method for transmission of Infrared signals. The LEDs have much less intensity than the lasers but are relatively easy and inexpensive to implement. The range is also much shorter than the laser. The Infrared media is very seldom used because it is only effective to the line of sight. Any obstructions in the line of sight will result in termination of data transmission. The microwave media resides on the spectrum between radio waves and infrared. It is capable of higher frequencies than lower down ate the point where the SST is found. Microwave media can transmit data at higher speeds compared to its wired counterparts, but only through Ethernet or Token Ring LANs. Even though microwaves can transfer data at 18GHz to 19GHz, it also is seldom use for LAN technology of it numerous FCC regulations you must comply with just to use it. Because it can interfere with other modes of transmission, you’ll be subjected to FCC regulations such as proper licensing and radius limitations. Not to mention the outrageous cost accompanying this method of media. The last type of wireless media available is the SST. This technology originally was developed as an anti-jamming, interference immune communications method during the World War II. SST is fairly immune to the...
