Wireless Technology Briefing

• Overview
• Maximising Performance
• Public Hotspots
• The Process
• Possible Scenarios
• The Advantages

There are several things you can do to maximise the potential range and performance of your wireless network. The most effective method is to ensure that your antennas have as clear a path between them as possible. Obstructions such as metal sheets or girders may be hidden in a wall or ceiling and these can interfere with wireless transmissions.

If your network uses a Wireless Access Point (WAP), through which all devices connect, you should try to position it high up in the room, away from obstructions and roughly in the middle of the area of desired coverage.

If a single access point is insufficient to cover the required area, you can easily install extra units to extend the range. In such cases, each should be connected to the same router or hub and configured to share the same Service Set Identifier (SSID) but set to operate on different channels, preferably at least two apart. Fitting additional access points will also allow more users to be simultaneously connected.

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An increasing number of public places have wireless access available. These include, cafes, airports, train stations, hotels or even entire city centres. These networks deliver broadband Internet access to any wireless devices in range, either free of charge or in return for a subscription or one-off payment.

In order to be compatible with the largest installed based of wireless equipment, all public hotspots so far use 802.11b technology. If your device does not have 802.11b facilities built in, you'll need to equip it with an 802.11b adaptor, although an 802.11g or dual-mode adaptor will also work.

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As we have seen, WLAN works on the principle of transmitting data using either infrared or radio frequencies without relying on any physical connection.

The data that needs to be sent is superimposed on the radio waves (also called radio carriers because they provide energy to a remote receiver), enabling its accurate retrieval. This process of superimposing the data is called modulation. The radio signal then occupies more than one frequency as the bit rate (frequency) of the modulating information is added to the carrier wave.

As long as the data is transmitted on different radio frequencies, multiple radio carriers can coexist without any interference. The radio receiver then extracts the data by tuning in to a specific frequency and rejecting all the other frequencies.

A typical WLAN configuration has a transmitter / receiver called as an access point. This device connects to the existing LAN using standard Ethernet cable. End users access the data through WLAN adapters that are implemented as PC cards in notebook computers, ISA or PCI adapters in desktop computers, or fully integrated devices within hand held computers. The WLAN adapters provide an interface between the electromagnetic waves and the client network operating system (NOS).

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So far, we have seen what WLAN is, and how a WLAN functions.

Now we want to show the variety of situations where having a Wireless Network is extremely advantageous:

1. Consultancy and accountancy audit teams (or any small workgroups) have increased productivity, with a mobile network they can set up and use fast.

2. Doctors and Nurses are better prepared to handle an emergency when they can deliver patient information instantly if their hand-held computers are WLAN enabled.

3. One can implement LAN in any building without disturbing the existing structures by using WLAN.

4. Branch office workers and trade shows / exhibitions can exploit the power of wireless LAN by installing pre configured WLANs that need absolutely no MIS support.

5. Senior Executives and CEOs can make instant decisions based on real time information made available through their WLAN enabled devices.

As you can see, the possibilities of effectively using WLANs are almost limitless!

If you have found a great way to use your WLAN do let us know - we are always interested to hear from you!

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There are many advantages of using a wireless LAN or 'WLAN'.

Most of the users of WLAN today use it as a means of least device connectivity.

Some of the main benefits of WLAN are:

All of these promote efficiency, productivity and higher profit margins for the company. Welcome to the world of wireless networking!

Now Live the Wireless Lifestyle!

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