WiFi (also known as Wireless LAN or WLAN)
WiFi or WLAN’s 802.11n challenges industry to ramp up in a hurry to the new wireless standard.
“This changes everything” is the sentiment from people like Robin Layland, president of Layland Consulting, when it comes to the future of wireless LANs now that the 802.11n standard has been ratified and vendors are pumping out compatible products. “WiFi connect rates jumped up by 6 times and throughput nearly 8 times,” he says about the presence of 802.11n. The new standard’s throughput of 100 megabits per second (Mbps), with even more speed waiting in the wings that could easily top 200Mbps, has encouraged Motorola, Apple, D-Link , Trendnet, Buffalo Technology, Belkin, SMC and Netgear to put out new product lines. For the enterprise, the new standard means that wired networks have a real challenger; wired might well be headed into obsolescence.
Faster wireless networks open the door for high-definition video conferencing, video streaming and, for large corporations, no more running wires to 1500 employees. The age of “No more wired connections” is fast approaching and WLAN’s 802.11n is just the beginning, suggests John Brandon at ITWorld.
Best-in-Class WiFi or Wireless LAN features:
- For security, office WLANs offer Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) standard.
- Less signal interference from other devices and better at maintaining connections
- Range increase to 250 feet up from standard 60 up to 100 feet
Top Considerations before Buying WiFi or Wireless LAN:
Strategy of moving away from “two-network” enterprises (a/k/a wired and wireless) with a cost-effective full wireless LAN upgrade, which offers a single, integrated network with automated network management that could significantly reduce operational complexity.
Key Providers:
1. Acclaim Networks offers VPN design, including initial network assessment, VPN integration, employee training, and equipment recommendations for WatchGuard, Cisco and Barracuda and others that employ strong cryptographic standards and offer maximum security of sensitive company information. The company also offers AcclaimWatch Managed Services program (maintenance and support expertise to manage business networks).
2. 3Com Corporation 3Com sells networking hardware and software, including LAN-level infrastructure gear (switches, routers, gateways), Internet telephony systems, network intrusion prevention systems, and wireless networking equipment for enterprises, as well as maintenance and support services, for enterprises and public sector. 3Com has three global brands—H3C, 3Com, and TippingPoint—that offer high-performance networking and security solutions to enterprises large and small. In May of 2009, 3Com reorganized its three working groups into two primary businesses: Networking Business and TippingPoint Security Business. No longer active in the consumer and tele-communications carrier markets, 3Com is now focused primarily on enterprise customers. Half of the company's customer base is in China. 3Com was acquired by Hewlett-Packard in 2010.
3. Proxim Wireless (formerly Proxim Corporation; and previously known as Western Multiplex) offers scalable broadband wireless WAN and LAN networking systems which consist of wireless modems, routers, gateways, and Ethernet bridges and are used to expand private networks in homes and businesses, including high-capacity, license-free PtoP bridges from 11Mbps to Giabit Speed. The company also develops wireless network management software, most notably with Intel for WiMAX base stations and subscriber access points. Proxim Wireless was acquired by Terabeam Wireless in 2005. Proxim Wireless.
4. TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS), founded in 1987, provides messaging, location, and deployable wireless communications to both enterprises and government. The company offers commercial services and systems that enable wireless carriers to deliver short text messages, location-based information, Internet content, and other enhanced communication services to and from wireless phones. Its hosted commercial services include E9-1-1 call routing, mobile location-based applications, and inter-carrier text message technology, including the ability for its customers to use software functionality through connections to and from its network operations centers, hyper-local search, asset tracking, social applications, telematics and navigation. Government agencies use TCS's cyber security services and secure deployable satellite solutions.
WiFi or Wireless LAN
Definition: WiFi, Wireless LAN, or WLAN is a wireless local area network that links devices via a wireless distribution method and usually provides a connection through an access point to the wider internet. Connecting to the internet via a WLAN provides users the mobility to move around within a local coverage area and still maintain connection to the network.
