APPLICATIONS OF WIRELESS LANThe introduction of WLANs offers users the ability to cross boundaries defined by fixed networks. WLAN solutions overcome the physical limitations of fixed networks and provide a high degree of flexibility at moderate capital expenditures.
Flexibility
In many enterprises, workers from different disciplines self-organise and re-organise in specific teams. The ability to scale a fixed network in line with dynamic business needs presents a burden not just in terms of time, but also capital investment and operating expenses. This is often a key factor in serviced offices and leased premises.
Building and planning restrictions
Within listed or older buildings such as universities, new cable management systems and wall penetrating solutions to support new or existing wired LANs are impossible to implement in compliance with local planning laws. In commercial and private rented premises, the owner can often demand and charge for removal of equipment installed by the outgoing tenant.
Mobile access to corporate information
In many industries, mobile employees require access to their corporate data networks. From warehousemen, service engineers to sales representatives, rapid connectivity to corporate information and systems irrespective of location is a competitive advantage.
Costs
High-bandwidth fibre optic cabling provides an alternative to building interconnections. A complex cabling solution becomes increasingly more complicated.
Advantages of Wiress LANs:
From the many advantages of WLAN, some typical applications and network configurations include:
Wireless connection to an existing LAN
This enables a radio connection between PC workstations. The access point acts as a gateway between the wireless clients and the existing Ethernet. Within the access point cell, the local fixed network can be utilised. A direct benefit is that the existing net can be simply and rapidly extended at minimum cost.
Public access (open access)
Access points in the public domain offer a simple and quick method of providing access to the Internet and other varied information sources.
Typical applications:
