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Technology’s first goal was to create a paperless society. With that almost achieved, it’s moving on to the next goal – making the paperless society wireless.
Wireless networking has come a long way since the dark ages of HomeRF systems that transmitted data at a blazing speed of 1 megabit per second. Now we have Wi-Fi-based (802.11b) networks promising to deliver data at up to 10 mbps and others on the horizon (802.11a and 802.11g) that will give us up to 72 mbps.
Often hampered by problems related to distance and interference from cordless telephones and microwave ovens, which operate within the same unlicensed frequency range of 2.4 gigahertz, 802.11b wireless technology often only delivers speeds of 4 mbps at distances up to 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors, but its range can be extended using routers, access points, wireless PC cards and other devices. And we should probably only expect speeds of 22 mbps (802.11g) to 54 mbps (802.11a) from the newer technologies, although the interference problems will probably be eliminated as 802.11a technology moves up the scale to the little-used 5 gigahertz frequency range.
All of this, of course, pales in comparison to faster Ethernet 10/100 Base-T wired networks, but the convenience of being untethered by cables and the ability to extend these networks -- and anything connected to them -- wirelessly, makes 802.11 technology highly desirable.
Now, add a wireless PBX system that is equipped to handle VoIP (voice over Internet packets) and you have what could eventually become a wireless office. Or how about handsets that use IP technology and can work through your wireless network?
This is no longer pie-in-the-sky technology that may become useful in 10 or 15 years. In fact, companies such as SpectraLink, Avaya, Cisco Systems and Enterasys Networks have already developed the software and hardware to make this a reality.
Wi-Fi networks have been able to handle voice transmissions through the use of the SpectraLink Voice Priority protocol and IP PBXs using voice-enabled 802.11b-compliant voice-over-IP gateways. And, more recently, SpectraLink developed wireless IP handsets, which eliminate the need for the gateway and work with Cisco’s Call Manager IP PBXs.
And, let us not forget Bluetooth. Although it’s still not used on the same scale as Wi-Fi technology, Bluetooth-equipped phones, PDAs, notebook computers and other devices can easily be integrated into any wireless network with an effective range of about 30 feet.
This is only the tip of the iceberg.Plan on seeing more of these systems as wireless networking becomes faster and more reliable and companies feel the need to cut the cord to become more efficient. |
