| The basic system of WiFi is very simple. In a WiFi | | | | from the hotspot. |
| enabled network, computers with WiFi cards | | | | Earlier versions of WiFi radios drain a lot of power, |
| connect wirelessly to an access point or router. | | | | which is a disadvantage for laptops as they are |
| This access point or router is internet enabled the | | | | battery dependent. Also, nearby equipment like |
| usual way, connected to the internet using a cable | | | | microwave ovens and cordless phones can cause |
| or DSL modem. Any PC or laptop with a WiFi | | | | interference. |
| card, which is within a radius of 200 feet (60 | | | | Security is another big threat. It is easy for |
| meters) from the access point can access | | | | anyone to access your wireless networks if you |
| internet. However a distance of 100 feet (30 | | | | are not careful. Therefore it is important to install |
| meters) is considered ideal for good quality | | | | stringent security precautions depending on the |
| access. An area surrounding an access point, | | | | sensitivity of the information you handle. |
| providing wireless access, is called a wireless | | | | Wi-Fi Internet |
| hotspot. | | | | WiFi uses radio technology for communication, and |
| The Technology | | | | mostly operates at 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency. Most |
| The technology used in WiFi is easiest to | | | | of the new connectible devices are today WiFi |
| understand in terms of radio. It is quite similar to | | | | certified, which means not only that they are WiFi |
| walkie-talkies, the only difference being in the | | | | enabled, but also that these devices are |
| strength of signals. An ordinary walkie-talkie can | | | | interoperable. |
| handle only limited data in the range of 1000 bits | | | | In a WiFi network, computers with a WiFi |
| per second, and operate at 49 MHz. In the case | | | | network card can connect wirelessly to a WiFi |
| of WiFi radios, the signal strength is much more, | | | | router. The router is connected to internet using a |
| so they can handle much higher data rates. WiFi | | | | cable or DSL modem. Any WiFi enabled |
| radios typically operate at a frequency of 2.4GHz. | | | | connectible device within 60 meters or so of the |
| There are three versions of WiFi radios currently | | | | access point can access the internet. |
| available- the ones that work with 802.11b, | | | | Some WiFi hotspots are open in the sense that |
| 802.11g and 802.11a standards. While the first | | | | anyone with a connectible device within the range |
| two- 802.11b and 802.11g- transmit 2.4 GHz, the | | | | can access them, while some others are closed |
| radios operating at 802.11a standard can transmit | | | | which means that only authorized users can |
| at 5GHz. | | | | access them using a password. |
| Another important feature of the WiFi radios that | | | | Where WiFi can Help |
| enables higher data rates is the coding techniques | | | | Interoperability is one big advantage of WiFi. WiFi |
| used. The 802.11a and 802.11g standard radios use | | | | allows users to connect with internet as well as |
| Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) | | | | with each other and other devices. It also helps |
| technique while the 802.11b uses Complementary | | | | you transcend the distance imitations of using |
| Code Keying (CCK) technique. | | | | cables and also saves some of the cost. |
| Due to the higher frequencies and the encoding | | | | WiFi technology is of special advantage to people |
| techniques, WiFi radios can transmit a very high | | | | in marketing and sales as these sectors involve a |
| amount of data per second. The 802.11a and | | | | lot of travel. In fact WiFi can help anyone who |
| 802.11g standard radios transfer between 30-54 | | | | has to move about a lot on work. They can |
| megabits per second and the 802.11b standard | | | | access their work email or company databases |
| typically conveys 7-11 megabits per second. | | | | from wherever they are using WiFi technology. |
| The WiFi Alliance has developed certification | | | | Thus WiFi technology allows businesses to grow |
| standards for laptops and other electronic gadgets | | | | and expand fast. |
| like PDAs. Most of these appliances are today WiFi | | | | Further, businesses do not have to throw away |
| certified. This means that these gadgets are | | | | their existing network infrastructure to start on |
| interoperable regardless of the brand. | | | | WiFi. It is very easy to integrate WiFi into your |
| The Benefits | | | | current wired network. This gives WiFi a definite |
| The technology of WiFi was developed to | | | | cost advantage. |
| enhance the convenience and increased | | | | As we saw earlier WiFi technology uses the 2.4-5 |
| productivity that portable computing and | | | | GHz bandwidth and speeds ranging from10 to 50 |
| communication systems ushered in. In today's | | | | Mbps. This is quite comparable to the speed of a |
| scenario, the workforce moves about a lot on | | | | T1 line. |
| business. They typically carry laptops, PDAs and | | | | Security |
| other gadgets and need to access the office | | | | All said and done, security is one of the biggest |
| network from wherever they are. WiFi is a | | | | issues with a wireless network. This is all the |
| hassle-free, cost effective and quicker way of | | | | more relevant in the case of a plug and play |
| deploying a network. It also makes greater | | | | technology like WiFi. If you are not careful enough, |
| flexibility possible. | | | | anyone close enough to your base station can |
| A WiFi enabled work environment helps workers | | | | intercept the data you send and receive from |
| to stay connected for longer and even interact | | | | your network or break into your system. |
| with the co-workers effortlessly. | | | | Therefore it is important to take sufficient |
| Security- The Risk Factor | | | | security measures when you set up a WiFi |
| A wireless access point has the risk that anyone | | | | hotspot at your home or office. Security is also |
| can access the information if they get within an | | | | applicable when you need to access a public |
| accessible distance. Therefore it is important to | | | | hotspot using your laptop or other devices. |
| take security precautions while setting up a WiFi | | | | Wi-Fi Phones |
| network in your organization. The degree of | | | | A WiFi phone is a wireless device that gives you |
| security depends on the nature of information | | | | the dual benefits of wireless connectivity and the |
| your organization handles. If it is highly sensitive | | | | cost savings of VoIP. It can be used in any areas- |
| information, you will need to go for customized | | | | hotspots- where WiFi connectivity is provided. If |
| security measures. | | | | there are no obstructions, you will be able to use |
| WiFi, or Wireless Fidelity, is a technology standard | | | | a WiFi phone within a radius of 300 feet (90 |
| developed in 1997 by the Institute of Electrical | | | | meters) of the hotspot. However this also |
| and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). WiFi is all about | | | | depends on the number of people accessing the |
| high speed wireless internet access. In today's | | | | hotspot at the given moment. |
| scenario, workers typically move about a lot and | | | | What a WiFi Phone Can Do |
| need to operate from several stations other than | | | | Just like a cell phone, you can use a WiFi phone to |
| their office cabin. As gadgets like laptops and | | | | make calls, send text message, receive voicemail |
| PDAs were developed to meet this need, it was | | | | and to some extent even access the internet. |
| also necessary to develop wireless internet | | | | The WiFi phone is capable of retrieving data and |
| technologies to enhance their function. This is | | | | accessing the internet better than a cell phone. |
| where WiFi comes in. | | | | As wireless hotspots are becoming widespread, a |
| WiFi is Fast | | | | WiFi phone enables you to converse with your |
| WiFi typically offers much faster internet access | | | | family, friends and work associates anywhere in |
| than cable and DSL connections, a definite | | | | the world at much cheaper rates than a regular |
| advantage for businesses. The high speed is also | | | | telephone allows. All you need to ensure is that |
| useful when you're on the move. There is a | | | | you are within the range of a WiFi hotspot. |
| promise of enhanced productivity here. | | | | In other words, you can use your WiFi phone |
| WiFi is Convenient | | | | from home, hotels, offices, airports, internet |
| You can access internet from your Wi-Fi enabled | | | | cafes, business districts or just about anywhere |
| device from wherever you are, as long as you | | | | there is a WiFi network established. More and |
| are within range of a base station or source. Thus | | | | more metropolitan areas and commercial outlets |
| the workers can move about with their gadgets | | | | are deploying free or low cost WiFi hotspots, so |
| from their cabin down the corridor to the | | | | you have many places where you can use your |
| conference room all without losing connection. You | | | | WiFi phone to make and receive calls. |
| can also access your company's network from | | | | Most of the WiFi phone models available in the |
| your own laptop or PDA, even when you are in | | | | market have built in features like echo cancellation, |
| another place, like a business associate's office, a | | | | lost packet recovery and packet delay |
| hotel or convention center, as long as this place | | | | compensation. Thus you can expect excellent |
| has a WiFi network. | | | | voice quality from WiFi phones. |
| It is also faster and more cost effective for the | | | | The Hitch |
| company to set up a wireless network than a | | | | The problem with WiFi technology is the range |
| wired connection. | | | | and this applies to WiFi phone as well. It is not |
| WiFi is Ubiquitous | | | | possible to roam beyond the hotspot, or between |
| The WiFi technology is already commercialized, so | | | | two hotspots, and this means limited mobility while |
| most of the computing and communication | | | | you are on a WiFi call. Further, many WiFi enabled |
| gadgets like laptops and PDAs come WiFi enabled. | | | | phones shut off the WiFi receptor when not in |
| Further, these WiFi certified gadgets are | | | | use, in order to save energy. This can lead to |
| interoperable regardless of the brand. | | | | missing the incoming calls. However we can |
| On the other hand, public WiFi access sites or hot | | | | expect that these problems will be ironed out |
| spots are also on the increase. More and more | | | | soon as the technology develops. |
| offices, bookstores, airport lounges and food | | | | The Bottom Line |
| outlets are setting up WiFi hotspots in the hope | | | | The cost effectiveness is the biggest factor here. |
| that this will induce their tech-savvy customers to | | | | The average American user today spends $50 a |
| stay on. In some cities, entire neighborhoods and | | | | month on cellular calls. Hotspots are free or much |
| business districts are setting up bigger hotspots. | | | | cheaper in comparison, and multiplying fast too. By |
| Drawbacks | | | | switching over to WiFi phones, the average |
| The small range is the biggest drawback for WiFi. | | | | consumer as well as businesses can save a lot on |
| Even while you can move about without the | | | | the telephone bill. From this angle, WiFi phone |
| wires, the mobility is severely restricted. Most | | | | looks like the next big thing in the telecom |
| typically, it is about a radius of 100 feet or so | | | | revolution. |