1. Wi-Fi
The basic system of WiFi is very simple. In a WiFi enabled network, computers with WiFi cards
connect wirelessly to an access point or router. This access point or router is internet enabled the
usual way, connected to the internet using a cable or DSL modem. Any PC or laptop with a WiFi card,
which is within a radius of 200 feet (60 meters) from the access point can access internet. However a
distance of 100 feet (30 meters) is considered ideal for good quality access. An area surrounding an
access point, providing wireless access, is called a wireless hotspot.
The Technology
The technology used in WiFi is easiest to understand in terms of radio. It is quite similar to walkie-
talkies, the only difference being in the strength of signals. An ordinary walkie-talkie can handle only
limited data in the range of 1000 bits per second, and operate at 49 MHz. In the case of WiFi radios,
the signal strength is much more, so they can handle much higher data rates. WiFi radios typically
operate at a frequency of 2.4GHz.
There are three versions of WiFi radios currently available- the ones that work with 802.11b, 802.11g
and 802.11a standards. While the first two- 802.11b and 802.11g- transmit 2.4 GHz, the radios
operating at 802.11a standard can transmit at 5GHz.
Another important feature of the WiFi radios that enables higher data rates is the coding techniques
used. The 802.11a and 802.11g standard radios use Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing
(OFDM) technique while the 802.11b uses Complementary Code Keying (CCK) technique.
Due to the higher frequencies and the encoding techniques, WiFi radios can transmit a very high
amount of data per second. The 802.11a and 802.11g standard radios transfer between 30-54
megabits per second and the 802.11b standard typically conveys 7-11 megabits per second.
The WiFi Alliance has developed certification standards for laptops and other electronic gadgets like
PDAs. Most of these appliances are today WiFi certified. This means that these gadgets are
interoperable regardless of the brand.
The Benefits
The technology of WiFi was developed to enhance the convenience and increased productivity that
portable computing and communication systems ushered in. In today's scenario, the workforce moves
about a lot on business. They typically carry laptops, PDAs and other gadgets and need to access the
office network from wherever they are. WiFi is a hassle-free, cost effective and quicker way of
deploying a network. It also makes greater flexibility possible.
A WiFi enabled work environment helps workers to stay connected for longer and even interact with
the co-workers effortlessly.
Security- The Risk Factor
A wireless access point has the risk that anyone can access the information if they get within an
accessible distance. Therefore it is important to take security precautions while setting up a WiFi
network in your organization. The degree of security depends on the nature of information your
organization handles. If it is highly sensitive information, you will need to go for customized security

2. measures.
WiFi, or Wireless Fidelity, is a technology standard developed in 1997 by the Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). WiFi is all about high speed wireless internet access. In today's
scenario, workers typically move about a lot and need to operate from several stations other than
their office cabin. As gadgets like laptops and PDAs were developed to meet this need, it was also
necessary to develop wireless internet technologies to enhance their function. This is where WiFi
comes in.
WiFi is Fast
WiFi typically offers much faster internet access than cable and DSL connections, a definite
advantage for businesses. The high speed is also useful when you're on the move. There is a
promise of enhanced productivity here.
WiFi is Convenient
You can access internet from your Wi-Fi enabled device from wherever you are, as long as you are
within range of a base station or source. Thus the workers can move about with their gadgets from
their cabin down the corridor to the conference room all without losing connection. You can also
access your company's network from your own laptop or PDA, even when you are in another place,
like a business associate's office, a hotel or convention center, as long as this place has a WiFi
network.
It is also faster and more cost effective for the company to set up a wireless network than a wired
connection.
WiFi is Ubiquitous
The WiFi technology is already commercialized, so most of the computing and communication
gadgets like laptops and PDAs come WiFi enabled. Further, these WiFi certified gadgets are
interoperable regardless of the brand.
On the other hand, public WiFi access sites or hot spots are also on the increase. More and more
offices, bookstores, airport lounges and food outlets are setting up WiFi hotspots in the hope that this
will induce their tech-savvy customers to stay on. In some cities, entire neighborhoods and business
districts are setting up bigger hotspots.
Drawbacks
The small range is the biggest drawback for WiFi. Even while you can move about without the wires,
the mobility is severely restricted. Most typically, it is about a radius of 100 feet or so from the hotspot.
Earlier versions of WiFi radios drain a lot of power, which is a disadvantage for laptops as they are
battery dependent. Also, nearby equipment like microwave ovens and cordless phones can cause
interference.
Security is another big threat. It is easy for anyone to access your wireless networks if you are not
careful. Therefore it is important to install stringent security precautions depending on the sensitivity
of the information you handle.
Wi-Fi Internet
WiFi uses radio technology for communication, and mostly operates at 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency. Most

3. of the new connectible devices are today WiFi certified, which means not only that they are WiFi
enabled, but also that these devices are interoperable.
In a WiFi network, computers with a WiFi network card can connect wirelessly to a WiFi router. The
router is connected to internet using a cable or DSL modem. Any WiFi enabled connectible device
within 60 meters or so of the access point can access the internet.
Some WiFi hotspots are open in the sense that anyone with a connectible device within the range can
access them, while some others are closed which means that only authorized users can access them
using a password.
Where WiFi can Help
Interoperability is one big advantage of WiFi. WiFi allows users to connect with internet as well as
with each other and other devices. It also helps you transcend the distance imitations of using cables
and also saves some of the cost.
WiFi technology is of special advantage to people in marketing and sales as these sectors involve a
lot of travel. In fact WiFi can help anyone who has to move about a lot on work. They can access their
work email or company databases from wherever they are using WiFi technology. Thus WiFi
technology allows businesses to grow and expand fast.
Further, businesses do not have to throw away their existing network infrastructure to start on WiFi. It
is very easy to integrate WiFi into your current wired network. This gives WiFi a definite cost
advantage.
As we saw earlier WiFi technology uses the 2.4-5 GHz bandwidth and speeds ranging from10 to 50
Mbps. This is quite comparable to the speed of a T1 line.
Security
All said and done, security is one of the biggest issues with a wireless network. This is all the more
relevant in the case of a plug and play technology like WiFi. If you are not careful enough, anyone
close enough to your base station can intercept the data you send and receive from your network or
break into your system.
Therefore it is important to take sufficient security measures when you set up a WiFi hotspot at your
home or office. Security is also applicable when you need to access a public hotspot using your
laptop or other devices.
Wi-Fi Phones
A WiFi phone is a wireless device that gives you the dual benefits of wireless connectivity and the
cost savings of VoIP. It can be used in any areas- hotspots- where WiFi connectivity is provided. If
there are no obstructions, you will be able to use a WiFi phone within a radius of 300 feet (90 meters)
of the hotspot. However this also depends on the number of people accessing the hotspot at the
given moment.
What a WiFi Phone Can Do
Just like a cell phone, you can use a WiFi phone to make calls, send text message, receive voicemail
and to some extent even access the internet. The WiFi phone is capable of retrieving data and
accessing the internet better than a cell phone.

4. As wireless hotspots are becoming widespread, a WiFi phone enables you to converse with your
family, friends and work associates anywhere in the world at much cheaper rates than a regular
telephone allows. All you need to ensure is that you are within the range of a WiFi hotspot.
In other words, you can use your WiFi phone from home, hotels, offices, airports, internet cafes,
business districts or just about anywhere there is a WiFi network established. More and more
metropolitan areas and commercial outlets are deploying free or low cost WiFi hotspots, so you have
many places where you can use your WiFi phone to make and receive calls.
Most of the WiFi phone models available in the market have built in features like echo cancellation,
lost packet recovery and packet delay compensation. Thus you can expect excellent voice quality
from WiFi phones.
The Hitch
The problem with WiFi technology is the range and this applies to WiFi phone as well. It is not
possible to roam beyond the hotspot, or between two hotspots, and this means limited mobility while
you are on a WiFi call. Further, many WiFi enabled phones shut off the WiFi receptor when not in
use, in order to save energy. This can lead to missing the incoming calls. However we can expect
that these problems will be ironed out soon as the technology develops.
The Bottom Line
The cost effectiveness is the biggest factor here. The average American user today spends $50 a
month on cellular calls. Hotspots are free or much cheaper in comparison, and multiplying fast too. By
switching over to WiFi phones, the average consumer as well as businesses can save a lot on the
telephone bill. From this angle, WiFi phone looks like the next big thing in the telecom revolution.
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