The Giant Leap Towards Wireless Technology

The trend of today business life is to get your company working wirelessly! Most of the companies are moving towards establishing wireless networks in their offices. Partly this is because it will help to reduce expenses on equipment. And partly it will make employees work more efficient. laptops with wireless capabilities are in tops for their ability to offer services anywhere and anytime.

So, the key question is: what you need to become wirelessly efficient? The answer is simple – you should know what you are dealing with (notions, features, limits) and precautions you should take while working on the go!

Start Working Wirelessly with WiFi

Wi-Fi is actually the synonym, or even the key notion, for the 'wireless'! WiFi is up-to-date technology which connects your PC to the network in the way different from traditional one. It uses radio frequency and that is why no network cables are needed.

Wi-Fi networks function very much like cordless phones – they transmit data from one point to another by the mean of radio signals. Still there is a significant difference between the two technologies. Wi-Fi technology works only within the wireless network range area, otherwise you'll not be able to connect your PC or other Wi-Fi enabled device.

Types of wireless networks

Currently there are three functional types of wireless networks which are pretty different from one another:

WWAN -- Wireless Wide Area Network. This is the widest type of wireless network. WWAN works through mobile phone signals. It is provided and maintained by specific cell phone providers. WWAN assures connection even when you are far away from other points of network access. Of course this service will cost you money and some additional charges for certain locations you are in.
WLAN -- Wireless Local Area Network. This is a wireless network that works though radio waves. The basic network as a rule uses cables assuring one or more wireless access points users are connected to. The range of WLAN can be extended from limited to large area.
WPAN -- Wireless Personal Area Network. This one is a short-range network that uses Bluetooth technology. So, it basically works in the frame of Bluetooth possibilities. This means that WPAN has an average range of about 30 feet. This kind of network is used to interconnect compatible devices in the range of central location.

Steps in getting wireless

1. Tools/Devices There are several devices that are a must for you to go wireless:

a Wi-Fi enabled cell phone
a laptop with a wireless PC Card. You can have a built-in wireless PC card or at least a slot to insert it. Besides, you can add wireless keyboards and mouse.

2. Connection to the network Here are some tips to guide you in connecting to a wireless network:

Define available networks – No matter where you are (work, home, abroad) you can locate the available networks by right-click on the wireless network connection icon. The next thing you do is to click View Available Wireless Networks.
Choose one of the available wireless networks – In the Wireless Network Connection dialog box, connect to the network you want by selecting it and clicking Connect.
Start working – After you get Connected, you are free to get your things done. You can surf the Web, download and reply e-mails, make some final touches to your speech or presentation.

Benefit from working wirelessly

Working wirelessly you get:

Flexiblity – No cables no troubles! This makes it possible to roam with your laptop.
Productivity – You can always use your laptop when you have got a break.
Collaboration – A flight delay can cost you a successful business contract. Using laptop with Wi-Fi you can monitor the situation by sharing files with your colleagues who can replace you while you miss.
Time-saving -- Your laptop can accompany you everywhere making it possible for you to get and monitor important e-mails while having a meeting or lunch. You are going to have all the information on your hands while you were away!

Wireless technology enables you to stay mobile and still be connected to places you are needed in (office, family, meetings, etc). You have the freedom to create your virtual office and monitor it from the Caribbean!