What does 'Base Station' mean?

A base station is a device that serves as a central hub for wireless communication in a local area network (LAN). It is typically used in wireless networks to provide a connection between the wireless devices and a wired network, such as the Internet.

Base stations are often used in wireless networks that use the IEEE 802.11 standards, such as WiFi. They may also be used in cellular networks to provide a connection between the mobile devices and the cellular network.

In a home or small office setting, a base station may be a standalone device that connects to a router or other networking equipment. In a larger enterprise setting, a base station may be a more complex device that provides additional features and functions, such as support for multiple wireless standards, security measures, and management tools.

In a nutshell, the primary function of a base station is to provide a wireless access point for devices to connect to a network and access its resources.

Companies that produce base stations

There are many companies that manufacture wireless base stations, and these devices are widely available from a variety of sources. Some of the well-known brands that produce base stations include Netgear, Linksys, D-Link, Apple Computer, and others.

These companies offer a range of base stations to meet the needs of different users and environments. For example, some base stations are designed for use in small office or home settings, while others are more suitable for larger enterprise environments. Some base stations are designed to support a specific wireless standard, such as WiFi, while others are designed to support multiple standards.

In addition to the base stations themselves, these companies also offer a range of accompanying networking equipment, such as routers and switches, as well as software and other tools to help users set up and manage their networks.

The choice of base station and accompanying networking equipment will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the user, as well as the size and complexity of the network.

Device compatibility

As long as the hardware is based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, also known as Wi-Fi, wireless devices should be able to communicate with base stations from any manufacturer. The IEEE 802.11 standard defines a set of protocols for wireless communication in local area networks (LANs), and it is the most widely used standard for wireless communication in the world.

All devices that are compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard use the same basic protocols and communication methods, so they should be able to interoperate with each other regardless of the manufacturer.

This means that a wireless card from one manufacturer should be able to communicate with a base station from another manufacturer, as long as both devices are compliant with the same version of the IEEE 802.11 standard.

It’s worth noting that different versions of the 802.11 standard may have different capabilities and features, and not all devices will be compatible with every version.

For example, a device that is compliant with the 802.11g standard may not be able to communicate with a device that is compliant with the newer 802.11ac standard. It’s always a good idea to check the specifications of both the wireless card and the base station to ensure compatibility.