Wireless systems consist of combined RF components such as transmitters, receivers, transceivers, filters, down / up converters, antennas, and antenna positioners. Wireless systems use low-powered radio waves to communicate data between these devices without the use of cables.

Uses

Wireless systems are widely used in computer networking and communication applications. Wireless systems used in computer networking typically include a wireless router or access point and wireless circuitry or cards in the networked devices. These devices communicate with each other and transmit data using wireless access protocols. Personal digital assistants (PDA) and mobile telephones also use these protocols to offer Internet access to these smaller portable devices. Wireless fidelity (WiFi) compatibility standards have been implemented to ensure that all wireless devices adhere to the IEEE 802.11, a specification from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). IEEE 802.11 is a family of wireless standards introduced in 1997 to describe the methods for wireless transmission, including radio frequency and infrared (IR) transmissions. IEEE 802.11 consists of several standards, including 802.11b, which was developed in 1999 to boost the wireless speed from 1 to 2 Mbps to 11 Mbps. IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11g were developed using the orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing transmission method to boost the speed again up to 54 Mbps. Another wireless standardization program is the worldwide interoperability for microwave access, or WiMax. WiMax is a product certification system that ensures devices meet the wireless conformity and interoperability standards stated in the IEEE 802.16 specification. WiMax is designed to extend traditional wireless networks across greater distances.

Wireless systems include a variety of configurable devices used in computers and other communication applications. Wireless systems include keyboards and mice that are commonly used with personal computers (PC) to eliminate the clutter of cables. Wireless microphones are used for presentations and concerts and allow much more freedom of movement. A wireless antenna is a key component of a cell phone, PDA, or other personal digital device and enables users to access email and Internet services while on the road. A wireless receiving system is a sophisticated portable wireless system used in surveillance applications to view video data gathered from remote cameras.