Overview

In this module, the student will learn about wireless technology and radio waves. Radio waves transmit data invisibly through the air, often over a distance of millions of kilometers or miles. Even though radio waves are invisible and completely undetectable to humans, they have totally changed society. Whether talking about a cell phone, a baby monitor, or thousands of other products, all wireless devices use radio waves to communicate. The following list shows some of the important uses of radio communication:

  • AM and FM radio broadcasts
  • Cordless phones
  • Garage door openers
  • Wireless networks
  • Radio-controlled toys
  • Television broadcasts
  • One-way and two-way satellite communications
  • Television remote control units
  • Cell phones

At its core, radio is an incredibly simple technology. With just a couple of electronic components that cost very little, someone can build a simple radio transmitter or receiver.

This module will explore the technology and the mathematics of radio, so that the reader can understand how invisible radio waves work to make so many things possible, including WLANs.