Chapter Summary

A wireless network eliminates wiring among computer devices, such as PDAs and laptops, and existing networks. This permits computer devices and users to be highly mobile while still interfacing with the Internet and corporate applications. Whether someone is within an airport, home, or office, the person can stay connected.

The various types of wireless networks offer solutions for a variety of applications in homes, offices, hospitals, and public areas, where users can benefit from having mobile access to network services. The ability to merely enable mobile applications is often enough justification for a wireless network. In some cases, however, a company might need to carefully analyze potential gains in efficiency, accuracy, and reliability to show that the costs of the system will be worthwhile.