Chapter 2: The Promise of Wi-Fi

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Overview

As Wi-Fi technology matures, it's easy to see its advantages: speed (which can be as high as 54 Mbps), reliability, mobility, and easy integration into existing wired networks. Other benefits include cross-vendor interoperability, practical interference-free communication over reasonable distances, and even security that can be augmented by several emerging technologies.

As Wi-Fi becomes ubiquitous, the personal opportunities for jumping onto the information highway will be simple. Downloading a map and directions while you are on the road will be easy. Pull into a "HotSpot" at a service station and receive the map on your PDA (personal digital assistant), or perhaps your Wi-Fi-enabled automobile can receive the information. You will be able to check your email and your voicemail while "on-the-go," play games with a cyberpartner in Ohio or Australia while waiting at an airport, download music as you're listening to it on your MP3 player, or remotely control your appliances. The choices will be endless.

Corporate employees can be mobile; hospital professionals can be more efficient and effective; road warriors can keep their information, documents and literature up-to-date; field service personnel can obtain real-time information on customers' orders, repair requests and existing maintenance contracts; and home users can enjoy Wi-Fi's easy installation and the wire-free environment it provides.

Once you go wireless, you will never want to use a cables again. All that's needed is a Wi-Fi-enabled computing device and, perhaps, access to an access point (whether it's in the home or a corporate wireless network, HotSpot or FreeSpot).

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