74 Chapter 3 Computer Hardware
mobile and users desire flexible network access. A wireless network requires an access
point (AP) that broadcasts a radio signal within a cell area. The AP often contains a fire-
wall to prevent unauthorized wireless network access. The AP is connected to a larger
network system through a cable modem or router (a switch to control data flow on a
network). Computers need a wireless card or built-in wireless capability to send and
receive data via radio waves.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are two popular wireless standards. The Wi-Fi (WirelessFidelity),
or 802.11b standard, transmits on 2.4GHz radio frequencies. Transmission rate is 11Mbs
(Megabits/second) up to 300 feet away from the AP. Distance, interference, ...