Summary

6 IT Essentials: PC Harware and Software Companion Guideyou should install an adapter that is designed to work with cellular networks. A cellularadapter needs to support some or all of the following:■■Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM): Worldwide cellular network.General Packet Radio Service (GPRS): Data service for users of GSM.■ Quad-band: Allows a cellular phone to operate on all four GSM frequencies: 850MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 1900 MHz.■■■■Short Message Service (SMS): Text messages.Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS): Multimedia messages.Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE): Provides increased data ratesand improved data reliability.Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO): Faster download rates.Connecting to a cellular WAN is a simple process. Cellular WAN cards, as shown in Figure13-2, are “plug and play.” These cards plug in to the PC Card slot or are built in to thelaptop.Figure 13-2Cellular WAN CardDescribe Wi-Fi TechnologyThe wireless technology Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) is based on IEEE 802.11 networkingstandards and specifications. The number 802.11 denotes a set of standards that are specifiedin the IEEE 802.11 documentation. Hence, the terms 802.11 and Wi-Fi are interchangeable.Here are some characteristics of Wi-Fi: