by Kenneth Black

Created on: October 20, 2008

Wireless broadband technology may be one of the most liberating inventions in the mobile computing field. However, many have some misconceptions about what wireless broadband is. With so many applications going wireless, the confusion is understandable.

Before looking at what wireless broadband is, it may be better to first take a look at what it is not. Wireless broadband is not Wifi. While Wifi is a common wireless networking protocol, it is meant to be used over a very limited area, not much more than 150 feet (50 meters) at most. Further, it is possible (though extremely unlikely) that the wireless router, which makes a wifi network possible, may be plugged into a dialup Internet connection, making the access for the computer wireless, but by no means delivering broadband speeds.

Most commonly, when people refer to wireless broadband, they are referring to what has commonly come to be known as WiBB, as opposed to a Wifi. WiBBs are standalone applications that provide wireless Internet service directly, without the need of going through a router or other Internet Service Provider. Thus, providers that use this technology are called wireless Internet providers (WISPs).

This is an especially useful tool for those who have notebook computers as it means they are able to connect to the Internet nearly any place where there is a cellular connection through the use of what is called an air card. These cards plug into the USB port of a computer and provide the interface needed to connect to the Internet.

Once that card is connected and set up, a relatively simple procedure that is normally done through an automated process in most computers, the user can then begin accessing the Internet. The access is not limited to the World Wide Web. In most cases, users can also access ftp areas for which they are authorized.

The other type of wireless broadband connection is done using radio waves and transmission towers and is not practical for those who want their Internet connections extremely mobile. In order to receive this type of connection, users have an antenna mounted to their homes. This is known as customer premises equipment. Generally, a line of sight is required between the transmission tower and receiving antenna, but the signal can travel up to 10 miles, in some cases. Then, once the signal is received, it is filtered into another box inside the home that is connected to the computer, or to a wireless router. This repackages the signal into a form that is readable by the computer.

While, in this situation, a Wifi network may be involved, it is not that network that is providing the access to the Internet. That connection simply is a door through which the Internet access passes. The Internet service is still being provided through a WiBB connection.

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