Invisible connections

Let’s continue with our tour through computer terms that get used all the time. What do they really
mean? All the following transmission formats are essentially radio waves, just as in the old ‘wireless’ 😉

Mobile Network: the signal is sent from mobile phone towers over a wide area up to a maximum of
about 30-40 kms but can be stopped or weakened by buildings, hills etc.. Your phone links to this signal to make and receive phone calls and send/receive text messsages (SMS). It also allows you to connect to the internet with your phone (if you have a data plan) to access more information, go on social media and more.
This network is also used if you have a ‘Home Wireless’ device that you can carry with you to connect
your laptop/tablet to the internet.

Fixed Wireless : The poor brother of the NBN for those who cannot get fibre cables to their house – an
aerial on a transmission tower sends a signal to modem/router via your roof aerial to connect you to the internet.

Satellite internet works similarly, but the signal is sent by a satellite, not a tower.

Wi-Fi: when you connect your computer, laptop, phone, tablet and more to your modem/router or to a business’s modem (like in a library). It usually only works within the building or just outside of it.

Bluetooth: connects 2 devices over a short distance (up to 3–5 metres) mostly used to connect
headphones to phones/laptops or phones to your car radio.

NFC (Near Field Communication): that’s the ‘tap and go’ when you use your phone or smartwatch to pay at a check-out. It only works on contact or a very short distance (a couple of centimetres).