Wireless WANS

Although the preceding architectures are specific to wireless LAN environments, employees that are outside the coverage area are required to connect through wireless carriers that provide support for a wireless wide area network (WAN) environment. There are several wireless WAN protocols used all over the world.

Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)

With CDMA, a large number of users are able to access wireless channels on demand. Used by most digital mobile phone companies today, the performance is almost 8 to 10 times better than traditional analog cell phone systems. The latest generation of this technology is called 3G and is much anticipated by many mobile users.

Global System for Mobile (GSM)

The GSM wireless platform provides full voice and data support with worldwide roaming capabilities. Included in the GSM family is the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) platform for delivering Internet content on mobile devices, and the Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and Third Generation GSM (3GSM) for delivering mobile multimedia.

Most wireless carriers base their offerings on the previously mentioned platforms, leveraging the strengths of the protocol they decide to use. For example, services offered by Sprint PCS and Verizon Wireless are based on CDMA, whereas AT&T Wireless and T-Mobile use GSM.