Moxa ANT-WSB-ANM-05 Manuel D’Utilisation

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Differentiating Between Wireless Technologies

A WWAN utilizes mobile cellular communication networks such as cellular, UMTS, GPRS, CDMA2000, GSM, 
CDPD, Mobitex, HSDPA, 3G, and WiMax. All of these networks offer wide service coverage and are normally 
used for citywide, nationwide, or even global digital data exchange. Cellular networks in particular are operated 
by carriers such as Cingular Wireless, Vodafone, and Verizon Wireless. In cellular communication, GSM (Global 
System for Mobile Communication) is the leader with over 80% market share, followed by CDMA (Code 
Division Multiple Access).

The biggest issues regarding data exchange over a WWAN are the associated costs, bandwidth, and IP 
management. However, as technologies improve and costs drop, WWAN is predicted to replace traditional 
microwave, RF (radio frequency), and satellite communication due to its lower infrastructure costs.

NOTE: The term “cellular” is also used to refer WWAN technology in general. WWAN technologies are 
discussed in detail Chapter 3.

As suggested by its name, WLAN transmits data over a shorter distance, normally 100 meters or so. In 
terms of transmission technology, WLAN uses spread-spectrum or OFDM (Orthogonal frequency-division 
multiplexing) modulation technology to provide the convenience of exchanging data without the limitation of 
cables.

Today’s WLANs are based on IEEE 802.11 standards and are referred to as Wi-Fi networks. The 802.11b 
standard, which operates around the 2.4 GHz frequency band at 11 Mbps, was the first commercialized 
wireless technology. Advances in wireless technology have made a higher transmission rate of 54 Mbps 
possible with 802.11g, which also operates around 2.4 GHz, and 802.11a, which operates around the 5 GHz 
frequency band. It is now very common to see dual-band Wi-Fi access points and client network adaptors that 
support a mixture of 802.11a, b, and g standards. More bandwidth means that it is possible to use wireless to 
replace traditional wired solutions to transmit larger data such as video.
NOTE: WLAN technologies are discussed in detail Chapter 2.

Modem wireless technologies are developed for the growing demand in mobile data exchange. Since 
demands vary depending on the application, different technologies are applied to meet specific needs. 
Normally, wireless technologies are divided into three categories: WWAN, WLAN and WPAN.