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What is the historical background of wireless standards for network and communication?

Greg Hinze

Wireless standards for network and communication have a long and interesting historical background that has evolved over time. These standards are crucial in enabling wireless devices to communicate with each other seamlessly, which is the backbone of modern-day communication. The story of wireless standards dates back to the 19th century when Guglielmo Marconi invented the radio, which was the first device to transmit information wirelessly.

The first version of wireless standards was introduced in the 1940s when the U.S military started using wireless technology for communication purposes. The military employed the first wireless standard with the aim of creating a stable and reliable communication system. However, the first wireless standard was not interoperable, meaning that devices using different wireless standards could not communicate with each other.

The first attempt to establish a wireless standard took place in the 1960s when the U.S government introduced the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET), which was designed to facilitate communication between military computers. ARPANET used a standardized format and syntax, which was the beginning of modern-day network protocols.

In the 1970s, there were various wireless standards in use, and none of them were compatible with each other. As such, telecommunication providers realized the need to establish a common wireless standard that would facilitate communication between different devices. The standardization process would enable device compatibility, which would ultimately reduce the cost of wireless devices and eliminate the need for replacement devices.

The 1980s marked a significant milestone in the history of wireless standards when the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) introduced the IEEE 802 series, which is a set of protocols that was designed to facilitate communication between wireless devices. The IEEE 802 series is composed of various protocols, including 802.11, 802.15, and 802.16, which are used for different wireless technology applications.

In the 1990s, various wireless standards were introduced, including Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), which is still in use to date. The GSM was a significant breakthrough in the telecommunications industry as it allowed for international roaming, which was previously impossible.

In the early 2000s, the IEEE introduced the 802.11 protocols, which were used to create the first Wi-Fi network. The Wi-Fi network facilitated wireless communication between devices like computers and phones, which was a landmark achievement in the wireless standardization process.

In conclusion, the history of wireless standards has been a dynamic and evolving process that has spanned over a century. The standards have evolved from the radio transmitter to today's advanced wireless networks that enable seamless communication between millions of devices worldwide. Wireless standards have revolutionized the way people communicate and brought the world much closer. As technology continues to evolve, new standards will undoubtedly emerge, and the wireless standardization process will continue to propel the telecommunication industry forward towards globalization.