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Wireless Networks
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Article 4: Wireless Network Trends
Look for security issues
and bandwidth problems to be addressed more
effectively, if not entirely overcome. The
entrepreneurial minds that make effective
advances in these areas will reap what stand to
be substantial rewards as the world trends
toward the freedom of wireless technology and
away from the limiting tethers of cables and
wires. The wireless LAN industry, less than $1
billion in 2001, is projected to reach $4.5
billion by 2006.
For WLAN buyers, the savings in IS management,
wired system installation and office
modifications are great financial incentives.
But ultimately, the greatest incentive may be
productivity savings inherent in the new
technologies that make the transition from a
wired to a wireless world increasingly more
likely.
Imagine a day when network access and all it
connotes—instantaneous file sharing, centralized
applications and data, real-time
communications—is as ubiquitous as using a cell
phone.
Wi-Fi capability will be increasingly bundled or
built into laptops and desktops. In short,
expect increased adoption of wireless LANs among
small businesses as they recognize the systems’
ease of use and increasing affordability.
Products based on new high-speed standards are
just reaching market. Wi-Fi5, also called
802.11a, runs in the 5 Ghz spectrum and provides
up to 54 Mbps. And 802.11g-based products are
expected later in the year, running in the same
2.4 Ghz spectrum as current Wi-Fi. They’ll also
provide speeds up to 54 Mbps, compared to the
current 11 Mbps. Manufacturers say they are
committed to support existing Wi-Fi products
along with these new technologies, and backward
compatibility is anticipated in most
configurations.
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