What are the advantages of Wireless?

Perhaps the most compelling use of wireless for business or home users is to provide broadband access to the Internet from nearly anywhere within or around the main location.

In a more generalized perspective, portability of the network is also a key benefit of wireless (i.e., ease of physically moving network components as needed). Additionally, the flexibility in being able to place computers with wireless LAN capabilities nearly anywhere is advantageous.

The ability to extend networks to areas not previously cabled or jacked is often a big plus. Users can access shared information without looking for a place to plug in while in a business environment, networking staff can set up new network segments without installing or moving wires. Portability and flexibility are natural consequences of needing no wires or cabling.

Another consideration is that workers are becoming increasingly mobile. As a consequence, business MIS departments and individual users are adopting the laptop computer as the preferred computing platform. Therefore, it is highly convenient for a worker to be able to use the same wireless network in the home as is used in the workplace or other daily environment.

Yet another aspect to enabling mobility is when the worker is NOT in the office or at home. Airports, hotels, restaurants, and other public places are adding wireless LAN capabilities to their facilities for business travelers who need access to broadband services when on the road.

In summary, wireless LANs are fully capable of providing general-purpose connectivity for a wide range of user scenarios. Wireless has entered everyday life in many areas of business and education and is rapidly becoming a part of the home networking experience. Just as radio, TV, and cellular phones are essential to everyday people, so too is wireless.