Wireless data has become the technology of the future. Data is transmitted from one place to another without the human eye detecting this transaction. Wireless data is transferred in many forms from home networks, office networks, and cellular networks. Each of these networks operates at a different scale and technology. Home networks have grown steadily over the years as manufacturers have developed new, easier-to-use devices that install quickly and give the owner the ability to manage their wireless Internet connection at home. Wireless routers have become the home standard, and many users are installing them to allow the growing number of computers and laptops in their homes to access the World Wide Web. Wireless routers use high-frequency radio waves to transmit data across the home network to a laptop or desktop wireless network card. First, the computer uses the wireless network card, also known as a wireless adapter, to translate data into radio signals, and then transmits the signal using the built-in antenna. The wireless router receives the signal, decodes the information, then sends the request for information to the World Wide Web through the router's wired connection to the Internet Service Provider (ISP). These routers currently transmit in the 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency range which allows the signal to carry more data than other lower frequency devices such as cell phones, walkie-talkies, and televisions. (Brain and Wilson) Currently, wireless routers operate according to the 802.11 standard established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers of which there are four commonly used versions: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n. Each of these standards allows for different data connections...... middle of paper ...... February 2012. .Kang, Cecilia. Number of Cell Phones Exceeds US Population: CTIA Trade Group. October 11, 2011. February 20, 2012. .Mitchell, Bradley. Wireless Standards-802.11b 802.11a 802.11g 802.11nnd February 20, 2012. .Phifer, Lisa. 3G (third generation mobile telephony). August 2000. February 20, 2012. Schneider, Gary P., and Jessica Evans. Internet. Boston: Course Technology, Cengage Learning, 2010. Print.Wood, Lamont. How 4G works. January 27, 2010. February 20 2012. .