The Future of Wi-Fi - Research Paper Example

?THE FUTURE OF WI-FI The Future of Wi-Fi Affiliation The vision of Wi-Fi blanketing entire cities in the United s has not been realized to the extent many people envisioned. Some people believe it may never come to pass while others believe that Wi-Fi technology has too many benefits and features for it pass into obsolescence. Wi-Fi faces challenges from evolving wireless technologies; however, with improved or new standards new frequencies will make Wi-Fi networks ever-more pervasive. Many of the most immediate changes ahead for Wi-Fi are those that will strengthen wireless connectivity as an increasingly pervasive public service. Wi-Fi is fast becoming a comparatively low-cost, high-bandwidth wireless technology that's being embedded in a growing number of devices as well as a growing number of locations, including vehicles and carrier hotspots, like proliferating hotbeds of connectivity. This paper continues with a discussion of the role of how Wi-Fi technology and Wi-Fi enabled devices are expanding connectivity and increasing download speeds. The paper will then explore the benefits of the latest advancements in Wi-Fi technology and the challenges to implementing it. The conclusion discussions will comprise how Wi-Fi will change the future of wireless networks and shape how business and personal communication and collaboration are done. Introduction The vision of Wi-Fi blanketing entire cities in the United States has not been realized to the extent many people envisioned. Some people believe it may never come to pass while others believe that Wi-Fi technology has too many benefits and features for it pass into obsolescence. This paper explores various concepts of Wi-Fi. The basic aim of this research is to show the importance of Wi-Fi technology in today’s changing world. This paper will discuss advantages and disadvantages of Wi-Fi technologies. This paper will also discuss the ways companies make use of Wi-Fi technology in order to carry out their activities. Wi-Fi is a networking technology and usually abbreviated as Wireless Fidelity. In the past it was acknowledged as Hi-Fi. Additionally, Wi-Fi is a straightforward and efficient networking technology that is used to link companies, people and organizations to the internet for their personal and business related use. However changing trends result in tremendous changes to PC related stuff with new Wi-Fi-supportive applications. In this scenario, there are lots of examples related to high-end Mobile Phones that require no wires or device for establishing a connection between two devices or computers. Wi-Fi has grown to be a common technology that is used widespread either at home or in office environment. Additionally, the usage of Wi-Fi networks usually depends upon the needs of users. It offers various benefits such as there is no aspect of Roaming (access to get connect even far away from home), no need to change Wire from one place to another and also offers conferencing facilities (Eogogics, 2011; Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2005, pp. 249-251; WellOiledPC, 2011). In view of the fact that Wi-Fi networking technology emerged and progressed in a short span of time however this technology finished with approximately billion of customers round the globe. In this scenario, a market growth survey was conducted by a market researcher In-Stat. According to this research 294 million customers were using electronics devices along with networking technology in the year 2007. Moreover, important aspect in growth is its growing still now. Some researchers and analysts say that this rapidly growth will probably exceed up to 1 billion by 2012. Thus, this fastest growth in Wi-Fi networking technology results in numerous factors that are liked with our daily lives or it leads toward the business solution. Another aspect in its growth is its low price over the past few years (Reardon, 2008). Wi-Fi networking technology is a standard way for enhancing sales and visibility for achieving competitive edge in the market. Additionally, the Wi-Fi networking technology helps every sort of person in implementing strategies related to business or different matters linked with general public. However its scope is not limited. On the other side if we analyze different aspects where it is used we would come to know that it is useful in hospitals, restaurants and service enabled corporations. Hence vision enhancing, engagement of customer and sales factor is precious while using it (Social WiFi, 2011; Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2005, pp. 249-251). Wi-Fi technology brings a lot of advantages for the businesses and individuals however there are some disadvantages also linked with this technology. Below given tables outlines the advantages and disadvantages of this technology (WellOiledPC, 2011; Kondolojy, 2010) Advantages Disadvantages Fast access through Wi-Fi technology, we can also transfer Files and valuable data; moreover Print any desired document within the coverage of Wi-Fi Access Point. We must adopt some precautionary measures in order to save us for disturbances that might affect our network. While using Wi-Fi technology at office or home we have to secure our network from outside/unauthorized access. If not protected any one can access our personal data along with Internet connection! In this way we must protect our Wi-Fi connection through passwords. Wi-Fi technology is widely adoptable due to less use of cables behind our Notebook /Desktop If we are establishing a new office, we can minimize the IT cost by implementing Wi-Fi. In addition we can reduce the cost of wiring/cabling and Network sockets Wi-Fi Networks are more responsive and sensitive to the signal strength. Make sure high-quality connectivity At the present, there exist many advanced technologies in the market while several are in progress. In this scenario, changing factors force scientists to develop more innovative applications with extra functionalities for the betterment of mankind. In view of the fact that Wi-Fi technology rolls over cellular data. That’s why traditional technologies are near to outmoded. In addition, the coming generation will see advance microwave infrastructure called WiMAX technology. Robert Morrow a professor of electrical engineering analyzed this fact, which he wrote in May 23 issue of the journal Science. According to his viewpoint, those days are near when pc/notebooks will be purchased with WiMAX interface as now a days with Wi-Fi networking interfaces. With this technology one major advantage is that people become capable to remain online anywhere we can acquire mobile phone service, even if we are on the road. As compared to the Wi-Fi connectivity people get while cozying up their machine (Wood, 2008). The economic benefits through wireless connectivity are countless but standard techniques also results in various complexities when people adopt this technology. In this scenario, there are various factors which disturb normal working. This includes reliability factor, security aspect, and integration as well as power is the major challenges, establish hurdles. Hence these factors must be eliminated earlier than extensive implementation of wireless measurement systems (National Instruments Corporation, 2008). Secured and reliable environments: When we talk about concerns we first think about security. We know that security is the number one issue for various scientists and engineers considering wireless. However two key elements if addressed properly, reduces the security factor. These factors are authentication and encryption (National Instruments Corporation, 2008).   Connectivity problems:  Several patient cares are making effort for providing sturdy wireless signals throughout the buildings signals out to basements (National Instruments Corporation, 2008). There are two standard approaches in Wi-Fi. First one is (IEEE 802.16) WiMAX while other is known as LTE that is considered to be third generation technology. However this technology is based on WCDMA. Thus both are now common and are primary technologies toward the standard formation of next generation of broadband wireless technology. Moreover, as we know that WiMAX standard (IEEE 802.16) comes or starts from IEEE family of protocol. After that this standard enhances the wireless access from (LAN) Local Area Network. In addition (LAN) Local Area Network is based on the WiMAX standard (IEEE 802.11) to MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network). WiMAX standard (IEEE 802.16) uses an advanced physical layer that lies on radio technology. This radio access technology is known as OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access). Moreover this is abbreviated as downlink or uplink. We discussed various aspects of WIMAX technology but if we talk about LTE technology, which evolved from the third generation application. This technological aspect is based on WCDMA. Hence its scope is broader and describes the 3GPP HSPA/ UMTS. Commonly this evolution, UMTS is WI-FI or cellular technology (Bhandare, 2008). As discussed earlier that IEEE 802.11 standard is the only approach that in fact allows 1-2 Mbps (Mega bytes per sec) of bandwidth. However modifications have been done according to requirements. Thus this standard approach is useful to optimize bandwidth. These standards comprised of 802.11a, 802.11b along with 802.11. Additionally, these standards are acknowledged as physical standards or 802.11 physical standards. In addition, if we want to improve the compatibility and security requirements then adoption of these standards is necessary. As we know, physical standards include 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g standards. But now trend changing which results in modifications toward various approaches to the 802.11 standard. However this standard facilitates various operational modes, which enhance their speed. This increasing speed depends on their range. As shown in below table (Jeff, 2008): Table 1Ranges of Wi-Fi Standards, Source: (Jeff, 2008) Standard approach Speed in Mbit/s Frequency in GHz Range in meters Wi-Fi a (802.11A) 54 Mbit/s five GHz 10(ten) meter Wi-Fi b (802.11B) 11 Mbit/s 2.4(Two point four) GHz 100(hundred) meter Wi-Fi g (802.11C) 54 Mbit/s 2.4(Two point four) GHz 100(hundred) meter In 2005, a survey was conducted by Cisco and other organizations to find out the most important benefits of the WLAN and its usage in required structure. In this survey, majority of people (round about 60%) in both of polls voted for wireless connectivity for business case or usage of this network at home. This analysis was taken from authenticated survey organizations that conduct polls on national and international level (Code Alias, 2010). When going outside to buy particular equipment, the 1st arrangement that we need to perform in business point of view is our wireless local area network (WLAN), which might be used for office or for home usage. In addition, we have to know about the category of wireless technology that we are going too used. Whether it is most appropriate for our environment or not and it fulfills all the requirements that we need. As we know that each technology has its aspects, weaknesses, and strengths, which directly depend upon our working environment. However several WLAN standards are available round the globe. Whereas a lot of common that activate according to the equipment standard requirements. Another important aspect is the key differences that we analyze while using it so we must be attentive while we compare various standards, since it is not simple to know the technical difference and numerous standards among them. However there are three main factors that are mostly used: total cost estimated, facilitated speed ratio and range it covers (Moran, 2002) In today’s environment of global competition we have to compete in a little bit changed environments where we have no connectivity problem that could cause a valuable loss, either for our business or for our study. In this view various corporations and organizations are deploying Wi-Fi LANs. Thus support required for home users and organizational applications that engage electronic mail (E-mail), access to diverse server related databases as well as for web browsing. In addition, it is a fact that in today’s fast growing time we need high data rates with standard approaches for improvement in wireless LANs. Moreover wireless LAN has become central to sustain such sort of applications. But if we want additional performance, we might have a lot to think about. However a significant aspect that impacts the overall performance is Physical (PHY) Layer (Asad, 2008). Wi-Fi technology can be used in corporations for carrying out business activities. In this scenario, an important feature of Wi-Fi network is the access from any place (inside network premises). Hence it allows a staff member to take a notebook or laptop from a place of work to the discussion room with no network connectivity. The access towards the resources of network needs no hunting around for a computer. As we know that now Wi-Fi hotspots can be visualized in important places like in hotels, airports, coffee restaurants and shops. Although a number of cities are installing community Wi-Fi networks to facilitate general public to complete their business related tasks when they are outside from office. These services facilitate them to access wherever but within the city limits (Gallup, 2011). Now Wi-Fi network is considered to be a pervasive public service. In this scenario, there is an example of London: The Mayor of London announced that the Wi-Fi communication infrastructure is probably to be in place, near the Olympic Games. The planning has completed and telecommunication corporations are achieving tenders for Wi-Fi infrastructure. This set up will facilitate 120 London Underground stations in June 2012. Successful Wi-Fi implementation in transport network of London became productive at Charing Cross station. In this way over half of travelers believed that Wi-Fi technology may improve their life (Publicservice.co.uk Ltd, 2011). Researchers and analysts have different views regarding Wi-Fi implementation approaches but all of them agree on one point that Wi-Fi technology needs more improvement. According to a poll/study by Global Evangelization, it argue on fact basis that radio took 38 years in order to attain 50 million users along with 13 years for TV to catch the attention of the identical numbers of audience. On the other hand, facts and figures related to Wi-Fi technology are quite surprised Wi-Fi surpassed this figure of users in a short time span of four years. As we know that Wi-Fi technological aspect is evolving rapidly but still this technology needs improvement to facilitate its users with advance features and overcomes the problems in terms of coverage and signal performance (Robbins, 2011). Many of the providers of Wi-Fi technology are providing their services in low price. There are various factors behind this. One major aspect is the competition among existing companies that are in race for acquiring more and more customers. Another aspect is governments are providing facilities to the allocate infrastructure of advance Wi-Fi technology. Because coming time basis much on technological aspects that will be useful in economic sector as well as fruitful for a common person in his daily life. Another analysis for its adoption in lost cost is that user is facilitated by coverage and performance. Hence a user acquires benefits of email; web browsing and probably voice telephony through this technology in low price (Geier, 2008).  Consumers want to attain services in low prices with broader coverage that results in better performance. Additionally client’s desire is full time connectivity. More than 65% of replays may get advantage of a Wi-Fi technology in a shopping store for coupons and memberships. In this way connectivity is commonly referred as a very significant element of our everyday life, because of the growing demand for Wi-Fi technology in our businesses, shopping centers, homes, airports, parks, cafes etc. Moreover we need some sort of connectivity for interaction with another human. This is why consumer is much focused towards the reliable mean of communication (WiFi Walker, 2011). Majority of experts believe that wireless access will produce additional competitive opportunities towards market. As we are familiar with this fact that coming era will be technology based thus the technological aspects have their own significance in evolving business. Trend to adopt Wi-Fi technology as a business has growing attention towards a common person to business concerned person. Wi-Fi standard features and advance configuration is commonly used in all parts of world in some manner. In this scenario, a lot of surveys and polls have been conducted; if we analyze their statistics we would be able to know that 52% of people have choice or they consider smaller business will profit more or comparatively better while only 3% believe that there is no such advantage at all from Wi-Fi networking technology (Eagles & Rose, 2006). Wi-Fi technology enables opportunities for growth in revenue. As we know that this technology has emerged in a short span of time and significantly developed over the last years. A fact is that it provides facilities in low cost and our business related problems can be managed by using it. Moreover it will reduce the human resource factor that is valuable for some organization to increase its income. We can say that Wi-Fi technology has become improved in understanding those terms to organizational strategies. However implementation of technology and Wi-Fi business models provides opportunities in business to generate revenue (NoDevice, 2011). If the operating system notifies the weak signal distribution it means that our Wi-Fi connection is not as faster as it can be. Some of the major points that must be kept in view for improving network performance and speed are: We must position our modem or wireless router in a central place. Metal objects, walls, and floors will interfere with router's wireless signals. The closer our router is to these obstructions, the more severe the interference, and the weaker our connection will be. Thus, Wi-Fi technology makes it simple to get free of the cables that not only save money but make environment clean (Northrup, 2011). A different approach for maximizing the speed range and data transformation through Wi-Fi signals can be achieved with suitable arrangement of an Omni-directional antenna and router. Hence maximizing the signal strength offers numerous opportunities for us to make put concentration on our work (Crago, 2011). Summary Universal wireless networking communication technology is one of the fastest emerging technologies with advance features. However essential requirements for linking devices with no use of wires are increasing everywhere. Simply we can say that idea of cable connection is near to vanished in the presence of advance Wi-Fi technology. In this way wireless LANs can be found on educational institutions, in organizational buildings, and in several public places. Wi-Fi technology offers a lot of advantages such as low cost and broad range. It brings a lot of opportunities for the businesses in order to improve their business performance and survive in ever-increasing competitive world. Conclusion The paper has discussed how Wi-Fi will change the future of wireless networks and shape how business and personal communication and collaboration is done. Improved or new standards, new frequencies will make Wi-Fi networks ever-more pervasive. Many of the most immediate changes ahead for Wi-Fi are those that will strengthen wireless connectivity as an increasingly pervasive public service. This paper has shown the facts and figures which clearly demonstrate the increasing usage of Wi-Fi technology. In future, it is expected that the usages of Wi-Fi technology will be further increased. References Asad. (2008, September 19). 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Retrieved April 02, 2011, from LiveScience.com: http://www.livescience.com/4951-future-wifi-turns-microwave.html Read More