The subject of wireless communications was discussed in several earlier chapters. For example, in Chapter 4, we presented information about the two wireless transmission methods: radio frequencies and infrared. We also discussed in Chapter 4, satellite communication systems, including two high profile projects, Iridium and Globalstar, as well as the various orbits in which satellites can be placed. In Chapters 4 and 15, we discussed wireless LANs (WLANs), including HomeRF and the various IEEE 802.11 standards. Finally, in Chapter 17, we introduced Bluetooth, a short-range wireless technology that enables any Bluetooth-enabled device to communicate with each other via radio links. In this chapter, we extend our discussion of wireless concepts and present more detailed information about various wireless communication systems. If you haven't done so already, we encourage you to review the aforementioned chapters prior to reading this chapter. An outline of the major topics we discuss follows:

• Wireless Communications Overview and History (Questions 1 2)

• Wireless Data Transmission Methods (Questions 3 7)

• Cellular Telephone Networks (Questions 8 19)

• Paging Networks (Questions 20 24)

• Wireless Data Networks (Questions 25 32)

• Bluetooth Concepts vs. Wireless LANs (Questions 33 36)

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Wireless Communications (Question 37)

• The Future of Wireless Communications (Question 38)