WIRELESS FIDELITY- WIFI

Wi-Fi, which stands for "Wireless Fidelity", is a radio technology that networks computers so they connect to each other and to the Internet without wires .Users can share documents and projects, as well as an Internet connection among various computer stations, and easily connect to a broadband Internet connection while traveling. By using a Wi-Fi network, individuals can network desktop computers, laptops and PDAs and share networked peripherals like servers and printers.

A Wi-Fi network operates just like a wired network, without the restrictions imposed by wires. Not only does it enable users to move around be mobile at home and at work , it also provides easy connections to the Internet and business networks while traveling The technologies used in this field are one of the best in the wireless space . It is fairly easy to set up a Wi-Fi enabled network at home or a small office.

INTRODUCTION

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, is freedom: it allows you to connect to the Internet from your couch at home, a bed in a hotel room or at a conference room at work without wires. How? Wi-Fi is a wireless technology like a cell phone. Wi-Fi enabled computers send and receives data indoors and out: anywhere within the range of a base station. And the best thing of all, it's fast. In fact, it's several times faster than the fastest cable modem connection.

However, you only have true freedom to be connected anywhere if your computer is configured with a Wi-Fi CERTIFIED radio (a PC Card or similar device). Wi-Fi certification means that you will be able to connect anywhere there are other Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products-whether you are at home, the office or corporate campus, or in airports, hotels, coffee shops and other public areas equipped with a Wi-Fi access available.

The Wi-Fi certified logo is your only assurance that the product has met rigorous interoperability testing requirements to assure products from different vendors will work together The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo means that it's a "safe" buy.

Wi-Fi certification comes from the Wi-Fi Alliance, a nonprofit international trade organization that tests 802.11-based wireless equipment to make sure it meets the Wi-Fi standard and works with all other manufacturers' Wi-Fi equipment on the market Thanks to the Wi-Fi Alliance, you don't have to read the fine print or study technicaljournals:if it says Wi-Fi, it will work.

ADVANTAGES

It's flexible: With a wireless network you and your staff can have uninterrupted access to people, information and tools as you and they move through the workplace with your mobile PC.

It's responsive: As you change your business operations your wireless network can change with you.

It's customized: Your wireless network can be configured the way you want it.-even combined with your current wired network.

It's fast: From 11 to 54 Mbps throughput and advanced roaming capabilities provide reliable access to e-mail, the Internet, file sharing and other network resources away from the desk.

It's cost-effective: Expand and extend your existing network by simply adding more adapters and access points. Planning is a no brainier as you need to buy only what you need.

It's secure: Current standards utilizes 64- and 128-bit WEP encryption and help guard the network from intruders and protect data in transit. Add in technology and you have increased WLAN protection important for mission-critical data.

In addition to the "hard " benefits of increased efficiency, productivity, manageability and cost savings, wireless networks will certainly make a This is a technology savvy company' statement to the world.

IMITATIONS

It has a limited bandwidth of about 83.5 MHz.

Frequency spectrum used by IEEE 802.11b is shared by many other systems like microwave ovens, cordless phones etc. This frequency sharing causes interference problem.

Security techniques are not reliable yet.

CONCLUSION

Wi-Fi provides freedom: freedom to physically move around your home or business and still stay connected to the Internet or local network; freedom to grow and move an office or business without having to install new cables and wires; freedom to be connected while traveling and on the road. Wireless "HotSpots" (airports, hotels, coffee shops, convention centers and any other place where someone can connect to a wireless network) are being installed worldwide. All this means Wi-Fi truly does provide unprecedented freedom. Plus, it is cool, and it is fun - as those in the know say, "Once you go wireless, you will never want to use a cable again."

There are real and measurable benefits to using a wireless network versus a standard wired network. For a home installation customer, the greatest benefit is that there are no wites needed: you don't need to drill holes in walls and floors; you don't need to drag cables or hide them under rugs. One Wi-Fi access point can provide network access for any typically sized home.And if you live in a rental or a historical building, you may not be allowed to drill holes-that makes wireless your only solution.

Wi-Fi use is growing fast in homes, public access areas and businesses- both large and small. The Wi-Fi Alliance is active with many industry organizations and is working closely with manufacturers to make sure that existing Wi-Fi gear is compatible with wireless technologies developed in future.