The Suprising WiFi Connectivity Trend

Any kind of "network" is basically about connections, communication and sharing information. This is true of a group of people with a common interest who are networking at an event, as well as with electronic devices that are designed for the purpose of handling information. Without a functioning electronic network of some type, the data stored on such devices is a lot less valuable if it cannot be exchanged easily. WiFi networks allow a variety of common electronic devices to do exactly that.

WiFi wireless networking allows you to share electronic files with friends and co-workers as needed, or even to easily share documents between your own devices, such as from your phone or personal digital assistant (PDA) to your computer. But, the real power of these wireless networks goes far beyond simply sharing files or being able to move them easily from your desktop computer to your laptop.

But those days of needing to be physically tethered to a desk, or at least to a length of cable, are long gone if you have a computer, laptop, PDA or cell phone that is WiFi enabled. With a wireless card installed and working in your device, all that you need to do is locate wireless networks that are available. These can be public networks that are freely available for use, or private wireless services that companies provide for their employees, or even wireless networking solutions designed for use by those in a single household. WiFi networking has become available thanks to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which created a set of standardized specifications for wireless services known as the IEEE 802.11 standards. Equipment manufacturers and vendors worked together to form an association that certifies compliance with 802.11 standards, called the Wireless Fidelity Alliance, or "Wi-Fi."

WiFi networking has become available thanks to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, which created a set of standardized specifications for wireless services known as the IEEE 802.11 standards. Equipment manufacturers and vendors worked together to form an association that certifies compliance with 802.11 standards, called the Wireless Fidelity Alliance, or "Wi-Fi."

This standardization means that when a wireless WiFi network in implemented, there is an immediate level of flexibility and productivity available that creates new possibilities for the way people work, conduct business and access information. In the future, plans call for virtually all cell phones to be able to be integrated into these wireless mobile networks.

One of the best things about WiFi access and connectivity is that if offers people "nomadic productivity." This means that mobile computer or PDA users are able to remain connected to the computer network wherever they need to "wander" in the course of their work, without having to be concerned about going back to the office, or to some type of central connection kiosk to access and share critical information. This gives warehouse and retail store personnel portable access to customer data, and inventory and order information. Medical staff can have instant access to patient records.

Business analysts, computer industry observers and technology consultants all agree about the future of WiFi networking. They are confident that wireless mobile networking will be everywhere within the next few years. More and more companies are implementing these WiFi networking solutions to help improve their employees' ability to interact and perform their jobs better, faster and with all the information they need. Airports, libraries and public facilities everywhere are also joining the wireless mobile networking revolution as they install more hotspots for improved internet connectivity for people on the go.

By Dan j Short

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