 | | | | | "Wireless" is the cable-free technology that connects machines to one another. Wireless connections between remote workers and your network give businesses flexibility and power. Become familiar with these technologies and find out which kind of wireless platform will give you greater control over your working environment, both in the office and out.
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| Wireless gives you the freedom from cables without sacrificing connectivity. It eliminates location and time restrictions, so an office can be virtually anywhere. Devices connect with other wireless devices to provide mobile workers with more seamless work methods. In-office applications help free up your network, too. Wireless means your business is smarter and more productive. Your people are freer to do what they do best, without having to combat technology obstacles.
There are three main connection methods which are used by wireless devices: |
Bluetooth® | | | What is it?
Bluetooth® is a universally available radio frequency that connects Bluetooth® enabled devices to one another at distances of up to about ten metres. With it, you can connect your laptop or handheld to other laptop computers, mobile phones, cameras, printers, keyboards, speakers, and even a computer mouse.
What does it do for you?
It allows for quick and easy connection between your Bluetooth® enabled devices, creating a personal area network (PAN) enabling you to combine all your key work tools with full office functionality. Using Bluetooth® peer-peer network allows you to easily exchange files at impromptu meetings, save time printing documents without having to connect to a fixed or wireless network. For example, you’ve just finished a meeting in your client’s office and you need the status report printed for immediate action. Using Bluetooth®, you can print the report from your laptop using any Bluetooth® enabled printer within range, no wires, no fuss, you don’t even have to move.
| | Wi-Fi | | | What's a Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi or Wireless Local Area Network ( WLAN) is a medium sized IT network that uses the 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g radio frequency rather than wires, and enables various wireless connections to the Internet. If you know where a Wi-Fi or WLAN is, you can surf the web, do email, and access your private company network. It's ideally suited for the "road warrior" mobile worker.
What can it do for me?
Wherever there's a Wi-Fi, there's an information and communication portal. Introducing a WLAN in the office allows you greater freedom, enabling your traditional working environment to become more versatile. These capabilities however aren’t confined just to the office as more and more WLANs are popping up, in places like cafes and restaurants, hotels and airports, giving you accessibility to the information you need. Miss a plane? Send those emails and invoices out. Need to find the latest inventory, but there's no one in the warehouse? Access your company network, and get the answers you need, on your schedule. Wi-Fi puts more of the Internet at your command.
| | GPRS/3G | | | What is GPRS?
GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Services. It is often described as “2.5 G”, that is, a technology between the second (2G) and third (3G) generations of digital mobile technology. It’s transmitted on mobile phone networks and delivers data at up to 114 Kbps. With it, your mobile phone and handheld can surf the web, send and receive email, download data and media. It’s even fast enough for you to video conference with colleagues or use instant messaging to chat with family and friends – wherever you are. Furthermore it acts as a connection for your laptop or other mobile devices.
What is 3G?
Like GPRS, 3G (third generation wireless) is also a wireless communication service that gives you ‘always-on’ continuous connection to the Internet via your mobile phone, handheld, tablet PC or laptop. 3G technology promises enhanced reliability and quality, improved data transmission speeds, and improved bandwidth (including the possibility of delivering multimedia applications). With data rates of up to 384kbps, it is nearly seven times as fast as a standard dial-up connection.
What do I use it for?
GPRS and 3G users are referred to as being "always on," because with it, they are always connected to the Internet. Using short text messages, field workers can report their progress and request support. Travelling executives can access their corporate email, as can a sales person, who might also check on inventory. You can automate your home or office with GPRS and 3G devices and monitor your investments. Use it in conjunction with your laptop to transfer files, or collaborate from a distance. “Always on” yes, but not always paying - you are charged based only on the amount of data transferred not call duration.
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