Wireless LANs in Todays computing

Over the past 10 years, the world has become increasingly mobile. As a result of this, the traditional ways of networking have evidently proved inadequate to meet the challenges of this lifestyle. Physical connection to a network dramatically reduces this mobility and as a result, productivity is also affected. Users who thus access wireless network connectivity avoid these restrictions and allows them a great deal of free movement.

No matter how protocols are designed, a user who has access wireless network has the most obvious advantage, mobility. A mobile phone user can drive miles and still be able to hold a conversation due to the wireless connectivity that exists. Initially, mobile telephony was expensive. However, their widespread use has brought costs down dramatically. Likewise, wireless LANs were expensive at first but their costs have since then dramatically gone down. Today, if you by or own a laptop, you will likely have access wireless network ability and be able to connect to any wireless hotspot in your vicinity.

When you have an access wireless network authorization, you also get a lot of flexibility. This, in turn, translates to rapid deployment. With the infrastructure built and configured to offer services to new users, a user with anauthorization code or password can access wireless network or networks without having to run cables, punch terminals or patch new jacks. In a fixed network, adding a user would likely involve making physical connections which can translate to more expenses. Flexibility can also be seen in older buildings. Wireless networks can be deployed rapidly in such environments since the need for construction is virtually zero.

A user with an access wireless network authorization will usually need to be authenticated from an access point. An access point allows users to connect to the network resources as well as other users. Usually, this will be a physical component located in a strategic position and accepts and relays the radio signals. An access wireless network authorization will usually be either a password or simply a request to join the network. Once approved, the user will gain access to all shared public services and resources. Just like in a fixed network gaining access wireless network authorization will allow you to be identified either a name or your IP address.

The access point is responsible for giving the network users their IP addresses which can then be used to identify the name of the computer. Having access wireless network, while it offers greater mobility and flexibility, it however offers limited bandwidth and therefore tends to be more unreliable and slower. Improvements in this area continue to make wireless networks the better option for many.