Wireless networks

You need to know:-

• The advantages and disadvantages of a wireless network

APPLICATIONS of WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY

• Landscape gardeners can use wireless technology to access a library of garden designs held on a database in their office.
• Wireless PDA's used by Doctors at the scene of an accident can accessing patient records.
• Wireless networks may be used as part of a LAN e.g. a mobile bar code reader in a warehouse transmitting data to a shop or HQ
• A delivery driver using a hand held device to confirm deliveries with a central database.
• Hand held chip and pin data entry in restaurants for entering details of card payments.
• Wireless PCMCI cards used in a laptop and linked to GSM satellite links which give access to Internet without need for wireless nodes e.g. used by travelling businessmen.
• Wireless remote controls used to turn over TV channels.
• Wireless devices such as Printers/ keyboards/mobile phones and description of use.

Advantages of Wi-Fi

• Allows inexpensive LANs to be set up without cables
• Allows people the freedom of working anywhere a signal can be received
• ideal for networks in old listed buildings where cables would not be allowed to be installed
• global set of standards - you can use Wi-Fi all over the world
• health and safety aspect - tidier desktop with no trailing cables

Disadvantages of Wi-Fi

• Power consumption is high - which means laptops soon exhaust their rechargable batteries
• there may be health problems in using Wi-Fi
• there may be security problems even when using encryption
• Wi-Fi networks have a very limited range e.g. 150ft
• can get interference if wireless network signals start to overlap
• transmission speed slower than cable