A traditional Local Area Network (LAN) uses cables or wires to share your office resources like; software programs, files, printers, scanners, etc. A Wireless LAN (WLAN), also called "Wi-Fi" (Wireless Fidelity) service, is much
same. However, rather then sharing information and equipment via cables or wires, a WLAN does its job by using radio waves. Thus, allowing you to connect within your office without cables or wires. The radio waves pass through ceilings and cement walls to make your WLAN connection.
The same principle works when you are out of your office and using your laptop as well. You may still access to your office wired LAN or wireless WLAN, then access your files or printer that are physically located within your office on your desk! A great productivity gain for growing number of mobile workers.
But this WLAN technology isn't just for desk bound office workers. Offices with constantly roving employees stand to gain most from cutting cord of traditional wired networks. The power of Internet is finally coming to places such as hospitals, retail stores and outdoor areas.
The Medical community is using wireless to ease mounds of medical paperwork involved in keeping patient records, requesting insurance payments and writing prescriptions.
In traditional doctors' offices, a receptionist takes insurance information, a nurse asks patient to fill out a questionnaire for symptoms and medical conditions, and doctor completes a more thorough examination. All this information is taken down on paper, which is then filed away.
Now doctors and nurses may carry around a touch-screen computers, adding bits and pieces of information to each patient's record as they go from room to room speaking with different patients.
The system automatically backs up information to off-site servers over Internet, and if patient needs a prescription or referral, system generates one based on information already entered and transmits it electronically to a local drugstore.
Computer-to-computer communication is becoming a more common use of technology. Some gas stations are employing technology to automatically keep track of fuel supplies and transmit that information back to home office. While many banks are hooking up automated teller machines wirelessly to save money on traditional wiring.
Soda machine vendors are setting up wireless connections to allow thirsty customers to pay for drinks using a credit card and alert owners when supplies are low or something is wrong.
Retailers are using wireless technology to create cash registers throughout their stores without having to string up new wired networks. Companies that use technology say it helps improve customer service by making it easier to station workers in different departments of store.
Many offices use wireless networks to allow employees to move freely around premises while remaining connected to Internet and internal networks. Such setups make collaboration easier because co-workers are no longer tied to their desks and can meet in one another's work areas, conference rooms or even hallways.
Combined with, instant messaging, workers could be conducting a meeting inside while keeping outsiders up-to-date on proceedings though a wirelessly connected laptop or handheld computer.
For users of laptops and handheld computers, Wi-Fi service provides wireless Internet access up to a distance of 500 feet or so at speeds of up to 200 times faster than a dial-up modem. According to market research firm Gartner Inc., by next year, more than 5.4 million people are expected to use Wi-Fi networks regularly.
Working Solution
Sometimes a wired cable local area network isn’t always practical or cost effective. If you lease your office space and install a hard wired cable network, you must run wires through walls and ceilings. This wiring installation is permanent. Thus, when you move out of that leased office space, you will probably leave your cable wiring investment behind.
