Wireless Local Area Network Technology example essay topic

CISCO Getting UN-Wired November 19, 2001 "Wireless LANs represent a major area for potential growth in this new economy". Wireless LAN Benefits Study, ) NOP World - Technology, Cisco Systems, September 2001 By Terry Moos, News@Cisco More Information Feature: Putting Wireless LAN Through Its Paces Cisco's Global Deployment Serves as a Testing Ground Video: NOP Confirms Wireless Productivity Gains 56 k Broadband Release: Cisco Announces New Independent Study Demonstrating Productivity Gains Achieved Through Wireless LAN Use Study: Wireless LAN Benefits Study Related links: Cisco Technology Innovations: Wireless During the past few years, organizations have been inundated with propositions about the competitive necessity of deploying innovative new technologies. But in this new era of uncertainty in global markets, the decision to implement the latest technologies has to be weighed carefully. Which innovative products and services will help drive business?

Which ones will make employees more efficient? How soon will the benefits be realized? With so many choices, investments now require justification - new technology must be tested and proven before implementation. Decision makers need evidence that the investments they make will significantly improve the bottom line. "Current economic conditions have made productivity and profitability the new benchmarks for business success", said Charles Giancarlo, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Technology Development at Cisco Systems. This need to improve productivity and profitability has fueled the growth of wireless local area network (WLAN) technology in many sectors of the market.

The advantages are widely touted: WLAN supplies the characteristics organizations need from a LAN (Ethernet, Token Ring), without wire or cable connections. WLAN provides 'anytime, anywhere' network access, and helps IT departments cut cabling costs and simplify labor-intensive installations. "Wireless networking has been viewed as one of the technologies promising the greatest impact on productivity, but until now, no formal studies existed to substantiate the many benefits of wireless LANs", explained Giancarlo. Wireless LAN Benefits Study Reveals Gains To that end, NOP World - Technology recently polled end-users and IT network decision makers from more than 300 U.S. -based organizations with 100+ employees using wireless LANs.

The findings are compiled in a new independent report, Wireless LAN Benefits Study, available from Cisco Systems. In announcing the study's release, Giancarlo said, "The results of this research show that wireless LANs can have a direct impact on productivity, and that the benefits are even more significant than they were assumed to be". Based on the poll, WLAN technology overall is living up to its promise of greater efficiency and a significant return on investment (ROI). To date, more than 10% of U.S. organizations with 100 or more employees have either piloted or implemented WLAN technology within their enterprises. The study substantiates gains achieved, documenting increased employee productivity, cost savings, and additional benefits. Key Findings of the Wireless LAN Benefits Study Increased mobility = more flexibility for users The 'anytime, anywhere' communications capability of WLAN is perceived as one of the most significant advantages, with email- and Internet-based applications the most widely utilized applications. o 55% of respondents across all company sizes and sectors cite increased mobility as the greatest advantage of WLAN. o Adoption rates have been faster in sectors where employee mobility is important: education, healthcare, and manufacturing. o Among functional areas with access, a full 56% of respondents use WLAN constantly or on a daily basis. o End-users said that WLANs allow them to stay connected nearly two hours more per day, amounting to a time savings of 70 minutes for the average user, increasing productivity by as much as 22 percent. o Certain sectors saw industry-specific advantages WLAN.

In healthcare, for example, respondents said WLAN allowed them to enter and retrieve data using hand-held computers at the point of service, which reduced error rates. o Users viewed as important the increased flexibility with the concept of 'hot spots' - areas outside of the office or home that allow users access to the network or Internet. The impact on IT and facilities Along with increased accuracy and efficiency of WLAN, the study showed that a measurable IT cost savings among companies that conducted ROI analyses for the study. o IT / MIS personnel credited WLAN with lowering cabling costs, with average savings anticipated to be $55,000 per company. o WLAN streamlines labor-intensive installations: workstation adds, moves, and changes, and simplifying set up of temporary workstations. Labor costs are expected to fall by an average of $36,000 per company using WLAN. o Respondents said reductions in support and maintenance costs were not significant. o WLANs tend to be deployed on a widespread basis within specific workgroups / departments or buildings. The majority of user problems with WLAN technology revolve around speed and range / reception issues. 'Quality of Life' Rewards of WLANs Outweigh Implementation Challenges The NOP World - Technology researchers note that WLAN is not without its challenges, but finds that the rewards of wireless local-area networks outweigh the challenges. According to the study, 87% of respondents overall agree that a wireless LAN improves their quality of life.

Terry Moos is a freelance writer based in Seattle, WA. 1992-2003 Cisco Systems web Cisco Announces New Independent Study Demonstrating Productivity Gains Achieved Through Wireless LAN Use NOP World-Technology Study Provides First Quantitative Data on Increased Employee Productivity from Wireless LAN Networking SAN JOSE, Calif., November 12, 2001 - Cisco Systems Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today announced the results of an independent study by NOP World - Technology, the first to substantiate productivity gains achieved by organizations using wireless local area network (LAN) technology. The report, entitled "Wireless LAN Benefits Study", documents increased employee productivity, cost savings and other benefits achieved by end users and IT network administrators from more than 300 U.S. -based organizations with 100 or more employees using wireless LANs. Among the most significant results revealed by end users was that using wireless LANs allowed them to stay connected one and three-quarter more hours more each day, amounting to a time savings of 70 minutes for the average user, increasing their productivity by as much as 22 percent. More Information Cisco@Comdex Video: o NOP Confirms Wireless Productivity Gains 56 k Broadband Study: o Wireless LAN Benefits Study Related Links: o Cisco Technology Innovations: Wireless "Current economic conditions have made productivity and profitability the new benchmarks for business success", said Charles Giancarlo, Senior Vice President of Cisco Systems. "Wireless networking has been viewed as one of the technologies promising the greatest impact on productivity but, until now, no formal studies existed to substantiate the many benefits of wireless LANs.

The results of this research show that wireless LANs can have a direct impact on productivity - and that the benefits are even more significant than they were assumed to be". Respondents to the NOP World study estimated that wireless networking had a measurable impact on return on investment (ROI), with organizations saving an average of $164,000 annually on cabling costs and labor, more than 3.5 times the amount IT staff had anticipated. These savings did not include the financial benefits of increased productivity, which can increase an organization's return on their wireless LAN investment by thousands or millions of dollars more. Per employee, the annual estimated ROI was $7,550, through a combination of cost savings and productivity gains.

Ben Rogers, Project Manager of the NOP World - Technology study, noted, "This gain in employee efficiency, over $7,000 per user per year, demonstrates the significant productivity enhancements possible through wireless LAN use. Considered on an overall company level, the productivity improvements were worth as much as $6.3 million annually to the average large organizations participating in this study. As wireless LAN infrastructure becomes increasingly ubiquitous within implementing organizations, the productivity gains can be expected to increase even further". An added benefit of wireless LAN use revealed by the NOP study was greater accuracy in everyday tasks, with nearly two thirds of end user respondents reporting that their accuracy was improved. The average gain in accuracy by those who felt there was an improvement was estimated at 38 percent.

For respondents from healthcare organizations, 51 percent felt the improvement in accuracy was "significant". The "anytime, anywhere" aspect of wireless communications allows increased access to accurate information when it is needed most - with health care, this could mean the difference between a life or death decision. In addition to concrete business gains, 87 percent of respondents agreed that there is a discernible positive impact in their quality of life from wireless LAN use tied to increased flexibility, productivity and time savings. Employees with a wireless LAN connection can accomplish more in less time, often working from locations outside their immediate offices, leading to the kind of work / life balance and increased satisfaction that supports employee loyalty and retention. The study was conducted with the Cisco Thought Leadership Network, (TLN), which is dedicated to providing new research findings and innovative ideas about how companies can succeed in the Internet economy. TLN works directly with top thought leaders outside Cisco to understand the evolving market landscape and to develop models and frameworks to leverage emerging trends.

Among its programs, the Thought Leadership Network publishes a monthly series of white papers, research studies, best practices, and presentations along with a monthly iQ Thought Leadership Newsletter from CEO John Chambers, highlighting many of the thought leaders, concepts, and research that TLN sponsors. For more information, see web For more information on the NOP World - Technology survey report, entitled "Wireless LAN Benefits Study", visit web About NOP World -Technology NOP World - Technology is the specialist technology research division of NOP World. Part of NOP Business, an acknowledged leader in business-to-business research spheres, NOP World - Technology offers technology expertise across a wide range of market sectors. In addition to expertise in the networking technology arena, NOP World - Technology has investigated many of the major issues that have confronted the IT industry more generally over recent years. NOP World consists not only of the NOP Research Group, but also several US assets, including Roper / ASW (previously Roper Starch Worldwide and Audits & Surveys Worldwide), Media mark Research, Strategic Marketing Corporation, Market Measures, and Allison-Fisher International.

NOP World is one of the Top 10 global research organizations. For more information, visit web About Cisco Systems Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Information on Cisco can be found at web # # # Cisco, Cisco Systems, PIX, IOS and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.

(0005 R) web Cisco Unveils Results of Study on Businesses Achieving Greater Productivity with WLANs Sage Research study quantifies how businesses can increase profitability and employee productivity with wireless networking More Information Audio cast: Wireless Internet Press Briefing Release: Cisco Unveils Results of Study on Businesses Achieving Greater Productivity with Wireless LANs Report: The Sage Report: Wireless LANs: Improving Productivity and Quality of Life Customer Testimonial Videos: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Wireless in Education 56 k Broadband Ochsner Medical Institute: Wireless and Healthcare 56 k Broadband Wireless Innovator Profile Video: Cisco's Don Sloan 56 k Broadband Related Website: Cisco's Wireless Innovations SAN JOSE, Calif., May 17, 2001 - Cisco Systems will this morning announce the results of a study with Sage Research highlighting how businesses can increase employee productivity by installing and deploying wireless local area networks (WLANs). For the study, entitled "Wireless LANs: Improving Productivity and Quality of Life", Sage Research interviewed 20 businesses with 1,000 or more employees that have been using WLANs for at least one month. Among the most notable benefits named by the businesses were time and money savings, as well productivity gains, greater flexibility and accuracy, and improvements in employee quality of life. Cisco will release the survey results today at 10: 15 a.m.

Pacific as part of a briefing highlighting key technologies that are driving productivity and profitability for today's businesses. Cisco Systems Senior Vice President Charles Giancarlo will discuss wireless LANs and Long Reach Ethernet as two emerging technologies that businesses are rapidly adopting to help cut costs and increase profits in the present economy climate. For a live audio Web cast of the briefing, visit web By interviewing actual WLAN users, the study uncovered widespread WLAN productivity benefits, particularly time savings, flexibility and quality of work. Hours saved by WLAN use ranged from one to 15 hours per user, per week, with an average time savings of eight hours per user, per week, according to survey results. One IT manager at a New Jersey health-care company indicated its average WLAN user saves at least three hours a day, or approximately 15 hours a week. The manager attributes the time savings to the facility's now immediate access to patient medical records and files, a task that once required administrative assistants to track down the written records and physically pull the files.

The strongest, most quantifiable benefit of WLAN usage in the study was time savings. In today's high pressure world, time savings can be easily translated to significant dollar savings for organizations. Businesses surveyed claim they saved from $30 to $750 per user, per week, from WLAN use, depending on employee level and pay rate. One utilities company employing 270 WLAN users estimated it saved an average of $50,200 in employee hours each month. The growing popularity of wireless networking can be attributed to the ability of WLAN users to roam around WLAN-enabled locations without being tethered by wires. Wireless LANs offer its users the flexibility to access the LAN from a variety of traditional areas inside their building (s), as well as non-traditional areas-sometimes even outside their building (s).

According to the survey, businesses are using WLANs in conference rooms, hallways, boardrooms, meeting rooms, the production floor, maintenance areas, laboratories, hospital examining rooms, warehouses, company cafeterias, libraries, among other locations. Participants in the survey included representatives from varying markets and industries, including education, finance, health care, government, manufacturing, retail, transportation and utilities-nearly all of whom realized significant benefits from the technology. "The results of this study show that wireless LANs are being deployed across vertical industries-not only by health-care and education organizations", said Jared Huizenga, Project Manager at Sage Research. "The qualitative benefits of WLANs such as increased productivity, flexibility, and accuracy are being realized by many organizations and play a major role in WLAN adoption."Our customers are continuing to invest in IT infrastructure despite the current economy. They are looking for technologies that will help them focus on their core business while reducing costs, maximizing resources and increasing revenue", Giancarlo said.

"Both wireless LANs and Long Reach Ethernet are quickly growing in popularity as businesses realize the short- and long-term benefits they can receive by deploying broadband technologies". For more information on the Cisco Systems Sage Research study, entitled "Wireless LANs: Improving Productivity and Quality of Life", and today's press event, visit News@Cisco at web About Cisco Systems Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at web About Sage Research Sage Research, Inc. is a full-service market research firm providing demand-side research to IT vendors and Service Providers. The firm combines expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods with an in-depth knowledge of technology markets.

Since 1993, Sage Research has delivered objective and reliable data, insightful analysis, and actionable recommendations to industry leaders and innovative start-ups. For more information, visit web # # # Copyright) 2001 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Cisco, Cisco Systems, and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and / or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other brands, names, or trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. (0104 R) web Company Overview Cisco is unlike most companies you " ve worked for or even read about.

We do not focus on narrow markets. We focus on creating solutions that offer our customers a tremendous competitive advantage. That takes talented, innovative, and creative people. At Cisco, we have a big mission: We " re shaping the future of the Internet. We " re creating unprecedented value and opportunity for everyone we touch. In each corner of the world, all segments of business, and every area of high technology, we " re leading the way.

CBS News writes: "Cisco is best positioned to be the eminent supplier of equipment during the Internet Revolution's next five years". While many companies stifle enthusiasm with a long set of rules, Cisco has a short list of guidelines designed to inspire 'out-of-the-box' thinking. Simply put, Cisco creates opporutnities and solutions for our customers. As our Chairman, John Morgridge, has said: "Our customers have truly become our partners. We are proud to help them achieve success, and we " ll always remember that their insights have driven our business". This begins with every employee.

At every turn, employees are empowered to discover and develop new solutions. We strive to achieve this goal in product development, selling complete business solutions, after-sale customer care, and across all of our business units and functions. We rely on teamwork -- a collaborative environment that thrives on working across geographical and organizational boundaries, sharing information and finding new and better ways to support each other and our customers. We give back to our community. Just as every employee is empowered within Cisco, we contribute to the empowerment of our surrounding and global communities to help people lead rich and rewarding lives. Through education, technology and charitable giving initiatives, Cisco and its employees have taken great strides to help others in need.

In short, we focus on people - employees, customers, and ecosystem partners - to help us continue to be the fastest-growing company in history and the best place to work in the world. web Posted by Ann Yau on May 01, 1998 at 11: 55: 00: I wanted to do a learning report about Cisco before I actually visit their site. This is what I learned based on my research on this company: Cisco's is located in San Jose, but it also has major operations in Research Triangle Park, NC, and Chelmsford, MA, and 200 other offices in 54 countries. Cisco is a worldwide leader in networking for the Internet that holds number one or numbers two in market share in every market segment in which it participates. Since it first shipped its products out in 1990, its annual revenues have increased from $69 M to $6.44 B in 1997, almost a sevenfold increase in annual revenues. What is special about Cisco and differentiates it from its competitors is that Cisco uses the Global Networked Business model which employs a self - help system to accessing information instead of having a few information gatekeepers putting out information as they see fit. The Global Networked Business model saves Cisco $360 M annually by improving efficiency in dispensing information between corporations.

Another unique service that Cisco offers is that it provides a total package of networking services, expertise in network design and implementation, and technical support to maintain network operations web It is important neither to overestimate nor underestimate Cisco. However, when a company stands so clear of its competitors in terms of profitability, capitalisation, and cash, how does one avoid the danger of overestimation? Certainly a large number of punters continue to take the view of Cisco as a heroic and uniquely able company, so that although the company's shares have continued to fall during the year, the company still stands on a PE ratio of around 32. This is not especially high in itself but extremely high in the context of a depressed stock market and collapsed communications sector, and many times that of its peers. Is this valuation based on false assumptions?

If so, which ones? It may be argued that Cisco's relatively good performance compared to most other companies in its sector arose actually as much from its weaknesses as its strengths, notably in the wireless and optical markets and also from its relative failure to penetrate the service provider market. This epic failure by the company meant that when the wireless infrastructure meltdown came, Cisco was barely affected at all, except collaterally. web hot links o Wi-Fi Overview o Why is Wi-Fi Important? o Wireless vs. Wired Wi-Fi (R) Means Mobility How Does Wi-Fi Compare to Other Networking Methods? Is a Wired, Wireless or Wireless / Wired Network Best For You? Wi-Fi connects you to others and to the Internet without the restriction of wires, cables or fixed connections.

Wi-Fi gives you freedom to change locations - and to have full access to your files, office and network connections wherever you are. And Wi-Fi can do this better than other technologies used to set up a home or SOHO (small office - home office) network. In addition Wi-Fi will easily extend an established wired network. How Does Wi-Fi Compare to Other Networking Methods? No other networking technology used to set up a small home or SOHO network provides the convenience or mobility of a Wi-Fi network. That's because other methods, including standard wired Ethernet networks and phone line- and power line-based networks, all require a connection via wire or cable.

Wi-Fi uses radio waves that travel through walls and floors and connect you anywhere, indoors or out. Networks based on phone lines, also called Home PNA, must have a phone jack close to the computer or peripheral that is to be networked with the rest of your system. Unfortunately, most homes have only two or three phone outlets - or even just one! - and these outlets may not be where you want to put your computer, printer or other device. You may have problems with this type of network based on the quality of your phone line installation and especially if you have numerous phone devices plugged into each wall jack. Networks based on power lines, also called HomePlug, have location problems, too. Of course, there are many more power outlets in a home than there are phone plugs, but power plugs may not be where you need them when you need them, especially outdoors.

Power line networks are often more expensive than Wi-Fi based equipment. Power line networks can experience interference from transformers, large appliances, power strips, surge protectors and even common "wall warts" (DV power supplies). In addition, apartments and condominiums that share power lines may also inadvertently share access to confidential files and information on the computers that are attached to the power line network - even if users think they " ve established tight security protections Neither power line - nor phone line-based networks provide true mobility or portability. These technologies don't allow you to just pick up your laptop or PDA and go anywhere in your home or small office and begin working or continue working in another location without losing contact with your network. Working outside on your patio or next to the pool is an impossibility.

And since power-line - and phone line-based networks aren't available at "HotSpots" (e. g., airports, hotels and cafes), localized access networks or at the office, they can't be used when traveling or working in a corporate office. Return to Top Is a Wired, Wireless or Wireless / Wired Network Best For You? If you are using mostly desktop computers, a wired network may work fine. However, for mobility, modifications and growth (especially if you are running a small business), Wi-Fi provides the best answer because it enables you to move the computers anywhere in the building where they can connect to the wireless network.

If you or your company move to a new location, you don't need to leave your cables, cable drops and other network investments behind. The entire wireless network comes with you and takes only moments to set up in a new location. Obviously if you are using laptop computers and / or other kinds of mobile computing devices, Wi-Fi is the only answer for both home and business. If you already have a functioning wired network, it's easy to just keep it in place and add wireless components to extend your network's reach and give users more flexibility and convenience.

Many home and SOHO access points and gateways allow you to easily connect to both wired and wireless equipment through their installed Ethernet ports. To see the variety of ways you can hook up a home or small office to create a wireless or combined wired / wireless network, go to SOHO - Small Office - Home Office Networking Configurations. Corporations frequently extend their wired networks with Wi-Fi networks. They connect wireless access points to their network backbone to provide Internet and network access in meeting rooms, lobbies, cafeterias and other common areas.

Companies also add wireless access points in their general office space to make it easy for staff to meet informally. For example, someone from marketing can carry his or her laptop to the sales manager's office two floors up and, via the wireless network there, make a presentation on the spot using their laptop. When employees are mobile, as in a large warehouse or shipping center, Wi-Fi networks can easily cover the entire area: staff can operate anywhere in the building, not just at predetermined desktop and workstations. web Cisco redefines the network with its diverse wireless offerings. Find broadband and mobile wireless products, as well as content transformation and Wireless LAN devices. The Cisco Aironet Series of wireless LAN solutions integrates seamlessly into an existing network as a wireless overlay, or creates freestanding all-wireless networks, enabling mobility and increasing productivity quickly and cost-effectively. The Cisco Aironet Series sets the enterprise standard for high performance, secure, manageable, and reliable WLANs.

With products supporting I 802.11 a and I 802.11 b technologies, the Cisco Aironet Series offers a complete line of in-building and building-to-building wireless LAN solutions. The line includes access points, wireless LAN client adapters, bridges, antennas and accessories. The Cisco Aironet (R) 1100 Series delivers an affordable and upgradable 802.11 b wireless LAN (WLAN) solution, setting the enterprise standard for high performance, secure, manageable, and reliable WLANs. The Cisco Aironet 1100 Series integrates seamlessly into an existing network as a wireless overlay, or creates freestanding all-wireless networks, enabling mobility and enhancing productivity quickly and cost-effectively.

The single-band upgradable platform protects current and future network infrastructure investments. Wi-Fi compliant with the 802.11 b standard, the Cisco Aironet 1100 Series will be upgradable to 802.11 g in the The Cisco Wireless Security Suite for Cisco Aironet (R) products fulfills the need for a consistent, reliable, and secure mobile networking solution. The Cisco Wireless Security Suite provides industry-leading enterprise-class security services. Based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.

(I ) 802.1 X standard and many innovative Cisco enhancements, this solution provides reliable, scalable and centralized security management with mutual authentication and dynamic encryption features to protect the privacy of transmitted data. Cisco Systems is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco networks connect people, computing devices, and computer networks, allowing people to access or transfer information without regard to differences in time, place, or type of computer system. They provide end-to-end networking solutions that customers use to build a unified information infrastructure of their own, or to connect to someone else's network.

Since its inception in 1986, Cisco has grown to into a global market leader that holds number one or two market share in virtually every market in which it participates. In its first year of going public in 1990, Cisco generated an annual revenue of $69 million. Eight years later in 1998, Cisco reported that it generated $8.46 billion for the fiscal year, making it one of the largest corporations in sales and revenues in the world. Cisco currently offers a wide assortment of vendor specific certification programs, each dealing with some aspect of networking. The Cisco Certified Network Associate - WAN Switching (WAN Switching CCNA) is just one of four certifications in the WAN Switching career track. This CCNA program is designed to identify and acknowledge those computer engineers and technicians who have the expertise required to install, operate, troubleshoot, and manage WAN switched networks at the entry level using WAN technology.

Overview of Cisco Systems Programs. Cisco certifications are concentrated in two professional career tracks: 1) Routing and Switching, and 2) WAN Switching. The Routing and Switching career track is intended for professionals who work in traditional Cisco-based networks that predominately include LAN and WAN routers, and LAN switches. The WAN Switching career track is intended for professionals who primarily configure, operate, troubleshoot, and manage WAN switched networks. Within each career track, individuals have the choice of focusing on either support or design activities. Cisco's certification programs also are structured to benchmark professional knowledge and proficiency at three progressive levels - associate, professional, and expert.

More particularly, these Cisco levels include the designations: CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate); CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) and CCDP (Cisco Certified Design Professional); and CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert). Finally, once an individual attains either the CCNP, CCDP, or CCIE certifications, he or she may choose to pursue one or more additional, specialized designations in security; voice access; network management; SNA / IP network management; LAN ATM; or SNA / IP integration. Cisco Systems initiated the WAN Switching CCNA certification in the mid-1990's as a means to identify and benchmark one aspect of the introductory networking expertise required in today's rapidly changing information systems environment. From its inception through mid-1999, over 1,500 candidates have passed and received their WAN Switching CCNA. Revised - January 13, 2001 web Cisco's background of success and its future outlook performance of Cable and Wireless in the short and longer term advantages and disadvantages of wireless networks, including both LAN and WAN What is a wired lan? A wireless local area network (lan) is a flexible data network system applied as an extention to, or as an alternative for a wired lan.

Using radio frequency (rf) technology, wireless lans use the air as the transmission medium instead of a wire to transmit and receive data. What are the different configurations for wireless lans? Peer to peer: most basic wireless system which consists of two computers with wireless adapter cards. Client and access point (or wireless hubs), wireless adapter cards in computers, and a wired connection from the access point to the main wired data network.

Multi-access points with roaming: Many wireless access points which allow users the flexibility to move about the facility while maintaining wireless network connectivity. The different standards for wireless lans: 802.11 b an I (institute of electrical and electronics engineers) standard with data rates of 1, 2, 5.5, or 11 Mbps up to 100 metres operating at 2.4 GHz 802.11 a An I standard with data rates of 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, or 54 Mbps up to 50 metres operating in the 5 GHz range. This standard is not yet accepted world wide. Blue tooth: A global standard with data rates of 1 Mbps up to either 10 metres or 100 metres operating at 2.4 GHz What are the differences between wired and wireless lans? Obviously wired networks operate entirely over some type of cabling either copper, fibre, or both. Wireless networks use some cabling to connect to a wired network.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a wireless network: Advantages: Flexible Long term costs are less Usre can be mobile Provide access where wired connections are not possible Disadvantages: Slower data rates as compared to wired Performance varies with usre location in facility Potential interference from devices such as microwaves, cordless phones and other wireless access points Susceptible to hacking from outside the building Advantages and Disadvantages of a wired network: Advantages: faster data rates than wireless (10 or 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps) Consistent performance when installed properly Electrical power need to be installed for stationary computers, so why not install a wire network Not easily hacked into from outside the building Disadvantages not very flexible Users are stationary Hard and expensive to wire open areas outdoors or historical buildings Wireless Networks Will Replace Wired Networks Within Two Decades History of Wireless Communication The Impact Of Cellular And Wireless Technology Upon Society advantages of wireless networks Use of Satellites in Wireless Communication fast Ethernet in respect to LANs.