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What
is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi
refers to the current industry standard for wireless LANs (Local
Area Networks), which provide users with high-speed mobile Internet
access without the inconvenience of cords and cables. Wi-Fi is based
on the 802.11b platform, developed and supported by the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Wi-Fi
networks consist of access points that generate transmissions of
a specific radio frequency designated for such use. The signals
can be picked up by laptop computers and other mobile devices through
either built-in or added-on network components. As a result, users
gain Internet connectivity up to 50 times faster than with standard
dial-up modems. Major computer manufacturers now offer notebook
computers with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, and any standard notebook
computer can be made Wi-Fi-enabled by simply plugging in an appropriate
Wi-Fi network (PCMCIA) card.
Three
Major Factors Add Up to an Unstoppable Wireless Trend
Conditions
now favor your deployment of a wireless Internet access system.
The growth curve for Wi-Fi adoption began its steep climb in 2002,
and has shot skyward, driven by the convergence of three factors:
1.
The Critical Mass of User Demand
Millions
of business travelers are now using wireless Internet access, and
thousands of businesses are providing access points to serve them.
Users of laptop and handheld computers are demanding access to the
power of the Internet virtually anywhere they go - commercial buildings,
restaurants, airports, hotels, convention centers - you name it.
- "By
2006, there are expected to be 89,000 public Wi-Fi network access
points and more than 99 million Wi-Fi users worldwide…" - USA
Today, November 13, 2002
-
A multi-billion-dollar investment is underway by every major technology
player, including IBM, Intel, Cisco, Apple, HP and Dell.
-
Wi-Fi service providers such as T-Mobile, AT&T Wireless, Verizon,
Boingo, Pronto, GRIC, HereUare, VoiceStream Wireless, Ipass and
many others are expanding their wireless reach.
- In
2000, 93% of the "online population" (or 91million people) took
at least one trip of 100 miles or more.
- Demand
for one-day access grew 276% from 2000 to 2001 (200,000 to 750,000)
2.
Technology Maturity
Wireless
Internet access standards are now established, and technology costs
have decreased dramatically. Wi-Fi is supported by virtually all
major technology companies and has been proven reliable in commercial
buildings and business parks around the world. Laptop manufacturers
are now including Wi-Fi as a standard feature in their new models.
3.
Technical and User Support
For
easier, painless adoption, Wi-Fi is increasingly packaged with support,
so your staff members won't be required to be computer or Internet
experts. HotAir assumes full responsibility for maintaining the
equipment and providing user support. HotAir allows you to tap into
this important capability at just the right time... in a way that's
easy and virtually risk-free.
Learn
more about Wi-Fi at www.weca.net.
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