The wireless technology applications and evolution: A review

Yashodha H R 1, * and Ashwini B N 2

1 Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Government Polytechnic Turuvekere, Tumkur, Karnataka, India.
2 Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Government Polytechnic, Hosadurga, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India.

World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2019, 04(02), 146-153

Publication history: Received on 13 December 2019; Revised 25 December 2019; accepted on 28 December 2019

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2019.4.2.0132

Abstract
The term wireless refers to the communication or transmission of information over a distance without requiring wires,
cables or any other electrical conductors. Today, the term wireless refers to a variety of devices and technologies ranging
from smart phones to laptops, tabs, computers, printers, Bluetooth, etc. On the other hand, Wireless Communication
doesn’t require any physical medium but propagates the signal through space. Since, space only allows for signal
transmission without any guidance, the medium used in Wireless Communication is called Unguided Medium. In the
present days, wireless communication system has become an essential part of various types of wireless communication
devices, that permits user to communicate even from remote operated areas. There are many devices used for wireless
communication like mobiles, Cordless telephones, GPS, Wi-Fi, satellite television and wireless computer parts. Current
wireless phones include 3G,4G and 5G networks, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies. This paper is focused on elements
of Wireless Communication system, Types of Wireless Communication, Advantage & Disadvantage of it and Review of
few works done so far.

Keywords: Wireless; Bluetooth; GPS; Wi-Fi; Wivi

1. Introduction
Wireless communication plays a significant role in day to day life. Besides communication, wireless technology has
become an integral part of our daily activities. At the end of the 19th century, the first wireless communication systems
were introduced and the technology has significantly been developed over the intervening and subsequent years. The
transmission of data or information from one place to another witlessly is referred as wireless communication. Wireless
communication is one of the important mediums of transmission of data or information to other devices. The
Communication is set and the information is transmitted through the air, without requiring any cables, by using
electromagnetic waves like radio frequencies, infrared, satellite, etc. This provides an exchange of data without any
conductor through RF and radio signals. The information is transmitted across the devices over some meters to
hundreds of kilometres through well-defined channels. In order to transmit information (voice or data) using wireless
communication we need antenna. The antenna is the device which couples RF energy from one medium (i.e. wave guide,
transmission line etc.) to the other medium (i.e. air). We require two systems viz. transmitter and receiver to complete
end to end wireless link [1].

The wireless communication revolution is bringing fundamental changes to data networking, telecommunication, and
is making integrated networks a reality. By freeing the user from the cord, personal communications networks, wireless
LAN's, mobile radio networks and cellular systems promise of fully distributed mobile computing and communications,
anytime, anywhere. Focusing on the networking and user aspects of the field, Wireless Networks provides a global
forum for archival value contribution documenting these fast-growing areas of interest. The primary and important
benefit of wireless communication is mobility. Apart from mobility, wireless communication also offers flexibility and

Corresponding author: Yashodha H R
Copyright © 2019 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0.
 World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2019, 04(02), 146-153

ease of use, which makes it increasingly popular day – by – day. Wireless Communication like mobile telephony can be
made anywhere and anytime with a considerably high throughput performance [2, 3]. Another important point is
infrastructure. The setup and installation of infrastructure for wired communication systems is an expensive and time-
consuming job. The infrastructure for wireless communication can be installed easily and low cost.

Though wireless communication has been around since 1876, the technology is now being broadly used to convey
information from one node to another, using radio waves, microwaves, or infrared waves. Figure 1 shows the growth of
wireless technology from 1G to 5G and evolving 6G. A key benefit of wireless technology, information can send out data
across long distances without any kind of hindrance; thus, more trustworthy and convenient compared to wired
technology. Consequently, devices like sensors and actuators, can be monitored and controlled with ease, making the
device more portable and flexible. In industry, various devices, sensors, and actuators are connected in diverse ways
through various protocols, if done using wireless technology, can replace all the physical limits of wired technology [4].
A variety of IEEE standards and protocols, such as like Bluetooth, Zigbee, RF modules, infrared and many more, are used
for wireless communication. It is used in many areas like industrial, commercial, home use, health care, Smartphone,
laptops and many others. Each wireless standard is being chosen as per the requirement and specification. For example,
Bluetooth is used in Smartphone, laptops, home automations, music players, and so on. where several meters of range
and data transfer in tens to hundreds of MBs are required.

Figure 1 Growing of Wireless Technology along with the time from 1G to Evolving 6G

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2. Characteristics of Wireless Technology

Here is some inherent characteristic of wireless communications that make the networks more efficient in usability to
the users of networks nodes [5]:

• Mobility: Users can access files, network resources, and the Internet without having to physically connect to
the network with wires. The Wireless users are provided with access to the real time information even when
they are away from their home/offices and even from their society.
• Rapid Installation: The time required for installation is reduced as network connections can be made without
moving or adding wires, or pulling them through walls or ceilings, or by making modifications to the
infrastructure cable plant.
• Flexibility: Enterprises can also enjoy the flexibility of installing and taking down wireless devices in locations
for temporary needs such as a conference, trade show, or standards meeting. The Wireless users are provided
with access to the real time information even when they are away from their nativity.
• Multi-hopping: A multi-hop network is a network the spot that the path from source to destination traverses’
other nodes.
• Scalability: Wireless network topologies can easily be configured to meet specific application and installation
needs and to scale from small peer-to-peer networks to very large enterprise networks that enable roaming in
a broader area.
• Cost: Networks can be extended at any level with limited cost or almost no cost, no wired system and hence
setting up a wireless network is much easy and fast; it eliminates the need for pulling out the cable through
walls and ceilings.
• Self-organization: the ad hoc network must autonomously determine its very own configuration parameters
including: addressing, routing, clustering, position identification, power control, and so on.
• Energy conservation: most ad hoc nodes have limited power supply, no power to generate their particular
power. High efficiency protocol design is important for longevity with the mission.

3. Types of Wireless Technology

• Satellite Communication: Satellite communication is one type of self contained wireless communication
technology; it is widely spread all over the world to allow users to stay connected almost anywhere on the
earth. When the signal (a beam of modulated microwave) is sent near the satellite then, satellite amplifies the
signal and sent it back to the antenna receiver which is located on the surface of the earth. Satellite
communication contains two main components like the space segment and the ground segment. The ground
segment consists of fixed or mobile transmission, reception and ancillary equipment and the space segment,
which mainly is the satellite itself.
• Infrared Communication: Infrared communicates information in a device or systems through IR radiation. IR
is electromagnetic energy at a wavelength that is longer than that of red light. It is used for security control, TV
remote control and short range communications. In the electromagnetic spectrum, IR radiation lies between
microwaves and visible light. So, they can be used as a source of communication.
• Broadcast Radio: The first wireless communication technology is the open radio communication to seek out
widespread use, and it still serves a purpose nowadays. Handy multichannel radios permit a user to speak over
short distances, whereas citizen’s band and maritime radios offer communication services for sailors. Ham
radio enthusiasts share data and function emergency communication aids throughout disasters with their
powerful broadcasting gear, and can even communicate digital information over the radio frequency spectrum.
Mostly an audio broadcasting service, radio broadcasts sound through the air as radio waves. Radio uses a
transmitter which is used to transmit the data in the form of radio waves to a receiving antenna (Different
Types of Antennas). To broadcast common programming, stations are associated with the radio N/W’s. The
broadcast happens either in simulcast or syndication or both. Radio broadcasting may be done via cable FM,
the net and satellites. A broadcast sends information over long distances at up to two megabits/Sec (AM/FM
Radio) [6].
• Microwave Communication: Microwave wireless communication is an effective type of communication,
mainly this transmission uses radio waves, and the wavelengths of radio waves are measured in centimetres.
In this communication, the data or information can be transfers using two methods. One is satellite method and
another one is terrestrial method. Wherein satellite method, the data can be transmitted though a satellite, that
orbit 22,300 miles above the earth. Stations on the earth send and receive data signals from the satellite with a
frequency ranging from 11GHz-14GHz and with a transmission speed of 1Mbps to 10Mbps.

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• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a low power wireless communication, that is used by various electronic devices like smart
phones, laptops, etc. In this setup, a router works as a communication hub wirelessly. These networks allow
users to connect only within close proximity to a router. Wi-Fi is very common in networking applications
which affords portability wirelessly. These networks need to be protected with passwords for the purpose of
security, otherwise it will access by others.
• Mobile Communication Systems: The advancement of mobile networks is enumerated by generations. Many
users communicate across a single frequency band through mobile phones. Cellular and cordless phones are
two examples of devices which make use of wireless signals. Typically, cell phones have a larger range of
networks to provide a coverage. But, Cordless phones have a limited range. Similar to GPS devices, some phones
make use of signals from satellites to communicate [7].
• Bluetooth Technology: The main function of the Bluetooth technology is that permits you to connect to various
electronic devices wirelessly to a system for the transferring of data. Cell phones are connected to hands free
earphones, mouse, wireless keyboard. By using Bluetooth device the information from one device to another
device, this technology has various functions and it is used commonly in the wireless communication market.

Figure 2 Bluetooth Network Architecture

4. Advantages of Wireless Technology

There are numerous advantages of Wireless Communication Technology, Wireless Networking and Wireless Systems
over Wired Communication such as [8]:

• Cost: The cost of installing wires, cables and other infrastructure is eliminated in wireless communication and
hence lowering the overall cost of the system compared to wired communication system. Installing wired
network in building, digging up the Earth to lay the cables and running those wires across the streets is
extremely difficult, costly and time-consuming job. Thus, wireless communication such as Wi-Fi or Wireless
LAN is the only option.
• Mobility: This is the main advantage of wireless technology system. It offers the freedom to move around while
still connected to network.
• Ease of Installation: The setup and installation of wireless technology network’s equipment and infrastructure
is very easy compared to wired technology. Also, the time required to setup a wireless system like a Wi-Fi
network for example, is very less when compared to setting up a full cabled network.
• Reliability: Since no cables and wires involved, no chance of communication failure due to damage of these
cables which may be caused by environmental conditions, cable splice and natural diminution of metallic
conductors.
• Disaster Recovery: In case of accidents due to fire, floods or other disasters, the loss of communication
infrastructure in wireless communication system can be minimal.

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5. Disadvantages of Wireless Technology

Even though wireless communication has a number of advantages over wired communication, there are a few
disadvantages such as

• Interference: Wireless technology systems use open space as the medium for transmitting signals. Therefore,
there is a huge chance that radio signals from one wireless technology system might interfere with other
signals. For example, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (WLAN) uses the 2.4GHz frequency for communication, when both
are active simultaneously, there is a chance of interference.
• Security: Since the signals are transmitted in open space, it is possible that an intruder can intercept the signals
and copy sensitive information. This is a major concern in wireless technology.
• Health Concerns: Continuous exposure to any type of radiation can be hazardous. Even though the levels of
Radio Frequency energy that can cause the damage are not accurately established, it is advised to avoid Radio
Frequency radiation to the maximum.

6. Literature Review
This review of literature focuses on the applications and improvement of wireless technology. This highlights some of
the possible ways in which wireless technology has been employed in our daily lives.

[9] presented a new ubiquitous emergency medical service system (UEMS) that consists of a ubiquitous tele-diagnosis
interface and a traffic guiding subsystem. The UEMS manages the sensor wires for eliminating inconvenience for both
patients and paramedics in an ambulance, providing ubiquitous accessibility of patients’ bio-signals in remote
inaccessible areas using wireless biosensors, and offering availability of real-time traffic information using webcam; can
be simultaneously transmitted to an emergency room for pre-hospital treatment via WiMAX/3.5G networks. Results
validate the feasibility of the proposed system for application in real-life scenarios.

[10] investigated wireless virtualization (WiVi) where wireless resources for virtual wireless networks are adapted
based on availability of leasable RF slices as well as the demands from the users of virtual wireless networks. With the
help of software defined network controller, wireless infrastructure providers (WIPs) slice their RF bands to sublease
those slices to mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). In wireless virtualization, MVNOs work as independent
service provides, and thus, the end users negotiate directly to MVNOs regardless of WIPs used behind the scene. WiVi
through MVNOs can provide better service to wireless users (higher data rates and with lower outage probability) when
MVNOs receive enough RF slices from WIPs to serve their users.

[11] presented and evaluated a mobile monitoring system using various non-intrusive wireless sensors that
continuously measure vital parameters of the patient. Results show high acceptance of the developed system by
Electronic Medical professionals. And concluded that the proposed system can be used as a complementary system in
the Electronic Medical System, allowing continuous real-time monitoring of patients’ vital signs and on-scene triage.

[12] proposed a network and physical layer solution based on LTE-A and future 5G capabilities to improve public safety
communications, which are currently conveyed through narrowband private mobile radio (PMR) systems and mainly
focused on offering limited voice services. Performance was analysed in terms of capacity of an amplify-and-forward
relay network when massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) textile technology is deployed at the user side.
Additionally, the optimal relay location was evaluated, to maximize the achieved capacity in the two-hop network.
Results illustrated the viability of the proposed design, specifically for low SNR scenarios where the relay node will
allow us to extend the coverage and the MIMO textile technology to improve the capacity.

[13] reviewed and briefly describes some common wireless technologies and modern advancements, as well as their
strengths and suitability for use in implantable medical devices. The applications of these wireless technologies in
treatments of orthopaedic and cardiovascular injuries and disorders are described. Such that, with remote data
collection and control of implantable devices, these wireless technologies help researchers and clinicians to better
understand diseases and to improve medical treatments. And then concludes with a discussion on the technical
challenges and potential solutions of implementing wireless technologies in implantable devices.

[14] reviewed electro-textile wearable tags involved in the body-centric area, particularly examining micro-strip patch
antennas; since they radiate perpendicularly to the planar structure, of which their ground plane shields the human
body efficiently. The crucial features of conductive and non-conductive textile materials used in designing wearable

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antennas were reviewed. This review can be the benchmark used to choose the materials and techniques to design a
textile wearable tag in the Body Area Network. The embroidery textile slotted patch design antenna with specific
materials proved in this study to have high performance.

[15] provided an extensive survey on emerging IoT communication standards and technologies suitable for smart
healthcare applications. With emphasis on low-power wireless technologies as a key enabler for energy-efficient IoT-
based healthcare systems; with challenges in privacy and security. A particular attention is devoted to
crowdsourcing/crowd sensing, envisaged as tools for the rapid collection of massive quantities of medical data.

[16] analysed of the idea of IoT in the field of agriculture. In the near future, sensors, actuators, and devices will rule the
agricultural world by connecting to the internet alongside the basic aim of intercommunication and decision making.
By providing innumerable profits to the end user with a variety of services such as supervise pests, build intelligent
seeds, monitor crop yield, weed detection, water management and so on, for improving the result of production in
agriculture. By using wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, GSM and automation, helps to improve the
crop yield by perfect monitoring and detection of disease affected crops. Hence better usage of automation in agriculture
helps to improve the yield of the crops.

[17] designed a technology which can reduce the effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields as much as possible is
needed. By applying resonance theory to search non-resonant frequencies in the mechanism of ions flux across cellular
membrane channels, that minimize harmful effects of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, using spectroscopic
and biochemical techniques. The development of new emerging 5G technology at non-resonant frequency should induce
a decreasing of harmful effects on human health, without giving up advantages of this advanced technology.

Table 1 Applications and Improvement of Wireless Technologies and Systems

Author(s)/Year Applications/Improvement Wireless Wireless Systems

Technologies
[9] A new ubiquitous emergency medical service WiMAX/3.5 G Wireless biosensors,
system (UEMS) that consists of a ubiquitous tele- Webcam
diagnosis interface and a traffic guiding
subsystem
[10] Wireless Virtualization (WiVi) Radio Frequency
[11] Mobile monitoring system Non-intrusive
wireless sensors
[12] A network and physical layer solution improve LTE-A and future 5G
public safety communications
[13] Implantable medical devices Bluetooth Low
Energy, Zigbee, Wi-Fi
[14] An electro-textile wearable tag Microstrip patch Wireless Body Area
antennas Network
[15] Smart healthcare applications IoT communication
standards and
technologies
[16] IoT in Agriculture Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z- Sensors, Actuators,
Wave, GSM and Automation
devices
[17] A technology which can reduce the effects of New emerging 5G
exposure to electromagnetic fields technology at non-
resonant frequency

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7. Conclusion
In the world we live in today, communication and Wireless technology are a key part of our daily lives. Some of the
commonly used Wireless technology systems in our daily life are: Mobile Phones, GPS Receivers, Remote Controls,
Bluetooth Audio and Wi-Fi and so on. This paper is focused on elements of wireless technology, types, advantage and
disadvantage, as well as literature review on various applications and improvements of wireless technology and
systems. Additionally, a comparative analysis between the various types of wireless technology based on different
aspects and their characteristics was discussed. With more research and experimentation, the challenges faced by
wireless technology can be reduced. Wireless technology will be very important in the near future where the need for
wires connecting individual devices seems to be coming to an end.

Compliance with ethical standards

Disclosure of conflict of interest

No conflict of interest to be disclosed.

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