Modern wireless security systems developed out of military needs during the second World War. Wireless security has expanded to include intrusion prevention methods using radio waves, video surveillance and data encryption to prevent illegal use of a wireless Internet network. Wireless security allows a person peace of mind, instead of constantly worrying about safety protocol.
History
The need to detect enemy air and naval craft led to the development of one of the first security systems: radar. In the 1880s, Heinrich Hertz's studies on the different speeds of radio waves set the groundwork for radio communication and eventually radar. After World War II, the principles of wireless security by the military would be adapted for consumer uses like motion detectors and surveillance.
Motion Detection
Motion sensors were the first "true" modern wireless security systems. Modern motion detectors take advantage of the Doppler effect to detect an intruder. A good illustration of the Doppler effect involves the sound a train makes: waves increase in frequency as they move towards you, and dissipate as the object moves away. A motion sensor emits a standard frequency wave and expects to receive a certain frequency from still-standing objects. A moving intruder causes a disruption of frequencies, which the sensor takes as movement.
Video Surveillance
Video surveillance works in a similar manner to radio frequency surveillance, except it uses ambient light to detect motion. A video camera takes a picture of the room and sends it to a computer for processing as a reference image. The computer takes note of dark and light pixels. When an intruder walks in the camera's field of view, he disturbs some light and dark areas, indicating motion to the computer.
Computer Network Security
The growth of the Internet and wireless computer connections has created a new field of wireless security: network security. Homes often use a wireless router to connect multiple computers to one Internet connection. Unless you protect a wireless network, usually through password encryption, anybody can simply connect to the network and leach Internet use, or use the connection for nefarious purposes like downloading illegal software.
Benefits
Wireless security offers a host of benefits, depending on the type of security needed. A wireless home security system is often seen as essential because you cannot protect your property and family every waking moment. A wireless system can keep an intruder away and prevent children from sneaking out to break curfew. On an Internet network, wireless security can shield the owner from possible legal consequences if an intruder uses the network for an attack or other illegal operations.
Tags: security systems, Doppler effect, Internet connection, Internet network, motion detectors, radio waves, wireless security
