The basic WiFi system is very simple. In a WiFi-enabled network, computers with WiFi cards connect wirelessly to an access point or router. This access point or router is enabled for the Internet in the usual way, connected to the Internet using a cable or DSL modem. Any PC or laptop with a WiFi card, within a 200 foot (60 meter) radius of the access point can access the Internet. However, a distance of 100 feet (30 meters) is considered ideal for good quality access. An area surrounding an access point, which provides wireless access, is called a wireless access point.
The technology
The technology used in WiFi is easier to understand in terms of radio. It is quite similar to walkie-talkies, with the only difference being the intensity of the signals. An ordinary walkie-talkie can handle only limited data in the 1000 bits per second range and operate at 49 MHz. In the case of WiFi radios, the signal strength is much higher, so they can handle much higher data rates. higher. WiFi radios typically operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz.
There are currently three versions of WiFi radios available: those that work with the 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a standards. While the first two, 802.11b and 802.11g, transmit at 2.4 GHz, radios that work with the 802.11a standard can transmit at 5 GHz.
Another important feature of WiFi radios that allows for higher data rates is the encryption techniques used. Standard 802.11a and 802.11g radios use the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technique, while 802.11b uses the Complementary Code Key (CCK) technique.
Due to the higher frequencies and encryption techniques, WiFi radios can transmit a large amount of data per second. Standard 802.11a and 802.11g radios transfer between 30 and 54 megabits per second and the 802.11b standard typically transmits between 7 and 11 megabits per second.
The WiFi Alliance has developed certification standards for laptop computers and other electronic devices such as PDAs. Most of these appliances are Wi-Fi certified today. This means that these devices are interoperable regardless of brand.
The benefits
WiFi technology was developed to improve convenience and increase productivity introduced by portable computing and communication systems. In the current scenario, the workforce moves a lot for business. They typically carry laptops, PDAs, and other devices and need to access the office network from anywhere. WiFi is a simple, cost-effective and fast way to implement a network. It also makes possible greater flexibility.
A Wi-Fi enabled work environment helps workers stay connected longer and even interact with coworkers effortlessly.
Security: the risk factor
A wireless access point carries the risk that anyone can access the information if they are within an accessible distance. Therefore, it is important to take security precautions when setting up a WiFi network in your organization. The degree of security depends on the nature of the information your organization handles. If it is highly sensitive information, you will need to opt for customized security measures.
WiFi, or Wireless Fidelity, is a technology standard developed in 1997 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). WiFi is all about high-speed wireless Internet access. In today’s scenario, workers are often on the move a lot and need to operate from multiple stations other than their office booth. As devices such as laptops and PDAs developed to meet this need, wireless Internet technologies also needed to be developed to enhance their function. This is where WiFi comes in.
wifi is fast
WiFi typically offers much faster Internet access than cable and DSL connections, a definite advantage for businesses. The high speed is also useful when you’re on the go. Here is a promise of increased productivity.
Wi-Fi is convenient
You can access the Internet from your Wi-Fi enabled device from anywhere as long as you are within range of a base station or source. So workers can move their devices from their booth down the hall to the conference room, all without losing connection. You can also access your company network from your own laptop or PDA, even when you are in another location, such as a business partner’s office, hotel, or convention center, as long as that location has a WiFi network. .
It is also faster and more cost-effective for the business to set up a wireless network than a wired connection.
WiFi is ubiquitous
WiFi technology is already commercialized, so most computing and communication devices, such as laptops and PDAs, come WiFi-enabled. Additionally, these WiFi-certified devices are interoperable regardless of brand.
On the other hand, public WiFi access sites or hotspots are also on the rise. More and more offices, bookstores, airport lounges and food outlets are setting up WiFi hotspots in the hope that this will entice their tech-savvy customers to stick around. In some cities, entire neighborhoods and business districts are establishing larger hotspots.
drawbacks
The small range is the biggest drawback for WiFi. Although he can move wirelessly, mobility is severely restricted. Typically this is about a 100 foot radius from the access point.
Older versions of WiFi radios consume a lot of power, which is a disadvantage for laptops as they are battery-dependent. Also, nearby equipment such as microwave ovens and cordless phones may cause interference.
Security is another big threat. Anyone can easily access your wireless networks if you’re not careful. Therefore, it is important to install strict security precautions depending on the sensitivity of the information you handle.
Internet WIFI
Wi-Fi uses radio technology for communication and mostly operates at a frequency of 2.4 or 5 GHz. Most of the new connectable devices today are Wi-Fi certified, which means that they are not only Wi-Fi enabled devices, but also that these devices are interoperable.
In a WiFi network, computers with a WiFi network card can connect wirelessly to a WiFi router. The router is connected to the Internet through a cable or DSL modem. Any connectable Wi-Fi enabled device within approximately 60 meters of the access point can access the Internet.
Some WiFi hotspots are open in the sense that anyone with a connectable device within range can access them, while others are closed, meaning that only authorized users can access them using a password.
Where Wi-Fi can help
Interoperability is a huge advantage of Wi-Fi. WiFi allows users to connect to the Internet, as well as to each other and other devices. It also helps you transcend the distance imitations of using cables and also saves some of the cost.
WiFi technology is a particular advantage for people in marketing and sales, as these industries involve a lot of travel. In fact, WiFi can help anyone who has to move around a lot at work. They can access their work email or company databases from anywhere using WiFi technology. Therefore, WiFi technology allows businesses to grow and expand rapidly.
Also, businesses don’t have to ditch their existing network infrastructure to get started with WiFi. It’s very easy to integrate WiFi into your current wired network. This gives WiFi a definite cost advantage.
As we saw earlier, WiFi technology uses a bandwidth of 2.4 to 5 GHz and speeds ranging from 10 to 50 Mbps. This is quite comparable to the speed of a T1 line.
Security
All said and done, security is one of the biggest issues with a wireless network. All this is the most relevant in the case of a plug and play technology like WiFi. If you’re not careful enough, anyone close enough to your base station can intercept the data you send to and from your network or gain access to your system.
Therefore, it is important to take sufficient security measures when setting up a WiFi hotspot in your home or office. Security also applies when you need to access a public hotspot using your laptop or other devices.
wifi phones
A WiFi phone is a wireless device that gives you the dual benefits of wireless connectivity and the cost savings of VoIP. It can be used in any area (access points) where WiFi connectivity is provided. If there are no obstructions, you will be able to use a WiFi phone within a 300 foot (90 meter) radius of the access point. However, this also depends on the number of people accessing the hotspot at any given time.
What a WiFi phone can do
Just like a cell phone, you can use a WiFi phone to make calls, send text messages, receive voice messages, and to a degree, even access the Internet. The WiFi phone is able to retrieve data and access the Internet better than a cell phone.
As wireless hotspots become more widespread, a WiFi phone allows you to chat with family, friends, and co-workers anywhere in the world at much cheaper rates than a regular phone. All you need to make sure is that you are within range of a WiFi access point.
In other words, you can use your phone WiFi from home, hotels, offices, airports, Internet cafes, business districts, or just about anywhere there is an established WiFi network. More and more metropolitan areas and commercial outlets are rolling out free or low-cost WiFi hotspots, so you have plenty of places where you can use your WiFi phone to make and receive calls.
Most of the WiFi phone models available on the market have built-in features like echo cancellation, lost packet recovery, and packet delay compensation. Therefore, you can expect excellent voice quality from WiFi phones.
the hook
The problem with WiFi technology is range and this also applies to WiFi phones. It is not possible to move beyond the access point, or between two access points, and this means limited mobility while you are on a WiFi call. Also, many Wi-Fi enabled phones turn off the Wi-Fi receiver when not in use to save power. This can lead to missed incoming calls. However, we can expect these issues to be resolved soon as the technology develops.
The bottom line
Profitability is the most important factor here. The average US user today spends $50 a month on cellular calls. Hotspots are free or much cheaper in comparison, and they are multiplying rapidly as well. By switching to WiFi phones, the average consumer and businesses can save big on their phone bill. From this angle, the WiFi phone looks like the next big thing in the telecommunications revolution.