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 WLANs
can extend network access to areas where cabling might
not be cost-effective or practical, for example from an
office to its adjacent warehouse or storeroom, or across
retail outlets, or public spaces such as job centers.
WLANs are particularly suited to businesses that have
staff working away from the office, eg sales staff,
where flexible working styles such as "home working"
have been implemented, or where the use of wireless is
desirable to avoid damage to the fabric of a building.
It also allows workers to remain online if they move
their laptop or personal digital assistant (PDA) around
the wireless-enabled space, known as "hot desking",
which can allow for a more flexible use of space.
WLAN "hotspots" are wireless-enabled areas offering
customers access to a broadband I nternet
connection, usually for a usage fee. Such services are
becoming common in public areas such as airports, cafes
and hotels, so that workers can be in regular
communication with their business while traveling. Most
cellular providers now offer wireless broadband service
from their networks. The service is built on a different
technology and requires a service charge from the
provider, but will allow remote access from almost
anywhere cell coverage is available.
Wireless
networking carries a lot of benefits. However,
like most other aspects of technology there are
some drawbacks... The most serious risk factor
is that WiFi creates a direct link to all
network resources if security is compromised.
Most out-of-the-box configurations will leave a
network vulnerable to hackers with even moderate
skills. Other considerations are that WiFi tends
to be markedly slower, especially in large
networks. There could also be interference from
other networks or black spots in some
environments where service may not be available
at all. |
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