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Wireless Communications

Introduction
Wireless is a term used to describe telecommunications in which electromagnetic waves (rather than some form of wire) carry the signal over part or the entire communication path. The first wireless transmitters went on the air in the early 20th century using radiotelegraphy (Morse code). Later, as modulation made it possible to transmit voices and music via wireless, the medium came to be called "radio." With the advent of television, fax, data communication, and the effective use of a larger portion of the spectrum, the term "wireless" has been resurrected.
Common examples of wireless equipment in use today include:

• Cellular phones and pagers
• Global Positioning System (GPS)
• Cordless computer peripherals
• Cordless telephone sets
• Home-entertainment-system control boxes -- the VCR control and the TV channel control are the most common examples
• Remote garage-door openers
• Two-way radios

In this paper we will look at the following technologies used to provide wireless communication:
• Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobil Communications (GSM).
• Satellites
• 802.11X Wireless LAN
• Bluetooth Wireless Technology
• Microwave


CDMA/GSM
In cellular service there are two main competing network technologies: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Today, most major cellular carriers use either CDMA or GSM. There are camps on both sides that firmly believe either GSM or CDMA architecture is superior to the other. This section will explore the technical capabilities of CDMA and GSM; where and how they are used, how security is addressed, advantages and disadvantages, and what the future holds for each of these cellular technology standards.
CDMA was derived as a proprietary standard designed by Qualcomm in the United States, has been the dominant network standard for North America and parts of Asia. CDMA was adopted by the Telecommunications...