Wireless data

It has been suggested that this article be merged into Wireless. (Discuss) Proposed since June 2025.

Wireless data refers to transmitting information—voice, video, sensors, apps—without physical cables, using electromagnetic waves like radio, microwave, or infrared waves.^[1][2]

• Connects devices via access points using IEEE 802.11 standards.
• Latest versions include Wi‑Fi 6/6E (using 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and now 6 GHz bands) offering higher throughput and efficiency

• 3G/4G (LTE) support broad data access.
• 5G launched globally since 2019; offers up to 10 Gbps speeds, extremely low latency, and supports massive IoT
• 5G‑Advanced (5.5G) introduces AI integration, edge compute, better slicing, non-terrestrial networks, aiming for full deployment by end of 2025.

• Bluetooth, Zigbee, UWB for short-range, low-energy data transfer (e.g., device pairing, indoor location) ^[3][4]
• Satellite and Wide Area IoT networks (e.g., NB-IoT) allow remote connectivity

• IEEE 802.22 uses TV bands for rural broadband with AES-GCM encryption
• Free-Space Optical (FSO) Infrared beams achieved 5.7 Tbps over 4.6 km—no RF needed^[5]
• 6G (2027–30) envisions terahertz bands, AI-native networks, quantum comms, holographic beamforming^[6]

There are four main methods of Wi-Fi Encryption:

• WEP: outdated and insecure.
• WPA & WPA2: added TKIP and AES/CCMP, respectively
• WPA3: modern standard since 2018 with SAE, enhanced open (OWE), 192-bit enterprise, and protection of management frames^[7][8]

The trend in wireless security is to move toward WPA3, Wi‑Fi 6E enhancements, private 5G/LTE (CBRS), UEM, AI/ML analytics, edge protection, and stronger identity access management.^[9][10]

Wireless networks conform to the OSI model, each layer bringing unique threats and protections.^[7]

Wireless Application Protocol is the early mobile web stack (WSP/WDP/WTP/WTLS) designed for feature phones and constrained networks.^{[citation needed]}

• Consumer Internet access: Home Wi‑Fi and mobile broadband
• Enterprise mobility: BYOD management, secure campus networks
• IoT and industrial: Sensors, telemetry, remote control via Zigbee, private LTE, NB-IoT
• High-speed links: FSO for urban backhaul; IEEE 802.22 for rural broadband
• Future systems: 5G/6G to support smart cities, autonomous vehicles, XR, remote surgery

• Optical wireless communications
• Wireless telegraphy