Business advantages of wireless networks

wireless networks create advantages for business

Ten features of wireless networks that can benefit business

Location flexibility

A wireless device can connect at any location within the range of a network, so therefore can staff and equipment. Examples:

Mobile connectivity

A wireless device can transmit and/or receive data as it moves within the range of a network. Examples:

Reach

Wireless equipment can connect in locations that are difficult or not suitable to wire. Examples:

Coverage

Wireless networks can cover large spaces inside and out, permanently or temporarily. Examples:

Position

The location and movements of connected wireless devices can be monitored. Examples:

Dependability

Devices can be connected by multiple wireless routes to ensure connectivity, and obviously radio waves are much less susceptible to damage. The more critical network connectivity is the important wireless connectivity is. Even where a wired connectivity method is in place an additional wireless method can provide extra connectivity guarantees. Examples:

Adaptability

Wireless networks are more adaptable to changing needs than wired networks, because the technology includes extra possibilities. Examples:

Scalability

Wireless networks need less frequent changes to manage additional devices that need connecting. Examples:

Connection density

More equipment can be connected wirelessly than is practical with wires, because many connections are as easy as a few connections.

Security

Encrypted access can be controlled at the point of connection making wireless networks secure even within premises. In addition it is possible to detect, track the movement of, and block unknown but potentially rogue devices within the range of the network, even before they attempt to connect to the network.

Associated wireless technology advantages

Low power wireless networking

Some wireless network technologies have very low power usage. In some cases power requirements can be so low that equipment can operate for years on one battery, or can even draw the energy they need from their environment. So for example this creates possibilities for deploying sensors into difficult to access environments where continuous power supply and battery replacement are onerous or impossible, perhaps to transmit notifications of rare intermittent events. It also allows devices to remain switched on to receive information pushed to them and then initiate an action, such as to start a more energy intensive activity that cannot be left running - like announcing its location, or to display some information as it arrives.

Wireless energy

Wireless battery charging at short range using induction is becoming more common, such as using the Wireless Power Consortium's Qi standard. Obtaining energy wirelessly at a distance is also possible using radio frequency technologies such as the rectenna. The combination of wireless local area networks with wireless energy will lead to increased convenience.