Technology Related-Answers

• What is WiFi technology?

WiFi is a communication technology based on the IEEE802.11 range of standards. These allow high-speed wireless transmissions at distances up to around 300m, though in practice standard consumer equipment will operate only 20-50m due to obstructions and interference. WiFi usually operates at 2.4GHz, though some variations operate at 5GHz which can be faster, but more prone to interference. Techniques such as frequency hopping and OFD multiplexing (OFDM) allow a high level of noise immunity and allow many devices to operate within range of each other without interference. WiFi is very simple to operate, and cheap to manufacture, making it very suitable for consumer use. A base-station (access point) is typically connected to a wired network, and is used to connect wireless devices to regular networks.

• • Who are the stakeholders in this technology?

The IEEE has had huge success with WiFi, adding credibility, support, and financial resources to fund future work. Manufacturers of devices and chipsets are also vital to WiFi technology, and have also had great success with the massively popular consumer devices, and embedded technologies. Many large telecoms companies and computer industry leaders, such as Intel, have been involved in the support of WiFi, though for some it is not clear what the long-term benefit will be; they are following the market and reacting to large consumer demand for such wireless connectivity.

• • Who has influence over this technology?

The IEEE determines the actual standards, based on input and consensus from its members and research organisations it funds. Many other research groups develop variations for specialist purposes, propose changes, or develop techniques which whilst not always used in the standards, nevertherless influence development and progression of WiFi technology. Large companies like Intel can also have a large influence by either supporting integration and interoperability with their technologies, or choosing to reject supporting in favour of other products. Intel has so far been very active in its support, even including WiFi as an element of its Centrino specification. Such support has influenced the large scale availability of WiFi equiptment in laptops etc. and has brought many consumers in-touch with WiFi for the first time.

• Refer the following links for useful information:

• http://focus.ti.com/pdfs/bcg/80211_wp_multimode.pdf
• http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network.htm

• What are the applications of WiFi?

WiFi can be used to give wired networks wireless functionality, and can enable wireless internet when connected to a broadband device: these two main categories of uses have spawned wireless communities, made WiFi popular for use in the home, and has made WiFi popular with companies who require mobile wireless connectivity in the workplace.

• • What devices are currently available?

Standard devices include access points, receivers and relay stations, VoIP WiFi phones, and embedded WiFi in a whole host of other devices such as PDAs and mobile phones.

• • What future devices may be available?

Devices which can cross network standards seamlessly will become available soon, and as part of the 4G standard. This will likely make integration of WiFi with mobile phones even more attractive as they can increase usablility. The devices are fairly simple and similar, but expect greater integration of WiFi with many other devices as chipset prices fall and battery technology improves.

• What are the limitations of WiFi?

There are power limitations for mobile (handheld) devices - expected to be solved by around 2008-2010, which limit the use of WiFi without abundent access to power (such as in laptops). WiFi also has limitations in distance which are inherent to the frequency range being used. WiFi is also not suitable for fast moving communications.

• What are the technical implications of WiFi?

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