CONCEPT OF WIRELESS NETWORK (PART 3)

2.             WIRELESS FIDELITY (WI-FI)

Wireless Fidelity (WIFI) allows a ubiquitous internet connection to be broadcasted through radio waves. It is used for internet access without any cord or wires. WIFI was intended to be used for mobile devices and Local Area Network (LANs) but is now often used for internet access. It enables a person with a wireless enable computer or Personal Digital Assistance  (PDA) to connect to the internet when proximity of an access point.

ADVANTAGES OF WI-FI

i.       It allows LANs to be deployed without cabling and reducing the cost of network deployment and expansion.

ii.               WI-FI products are widely available in the market.

iii.     WI-FI networks support roaming, in which a mobile client station such as a laptop computer can move from one access point to another as the user moves around a building or areas.

iv.              WI-FI is a global set of standards.

PROBLEMS OF WI-FI

i.       Wi-Fi can be interrupted by other devices, notably 2.4 GHz cordless phones and microwaves ovens.

ii.               Power consumption is fairly high compared to some other standards, making battery life and heat a concern.

iii.            Wi-Fi networks have limited range.