Infrastructure
Wireless, wireless, wireless
A major problem with wireless is the plethora of types and systems available--each with its own special-interest group and set of acronyms. In general, it is easiest to consider wireless connectivity solutions in terms of their range and usage.
Bluetooth is a short-range technology (about 10 metres, or 33 feet) designed to connect cell phones, PDAs, notebook PCs, automobiles, and consumer-electronics devices together in a personal area network (PAN). It has a moderate speed of about 300 to 400Kbps, but the real appeal is its low cost and soon-to-be ubiquitous presence. Founding members of the Bluetooth specification include Ericsson, ibm, Intel, Nokia, and Toshiba. These companies, plus Lucent, Motorola, 3Com, and about 1900 other partners plan to field interoperable devices by the end of this year.
Wireless local area networks (LANs) are now taking off because of lower costs and improved interoperability. This technology extends a wired network to portable devices (such as laptops) around an office or campus. The most popular LAN standard, 802.11b, provides for a signalling rate of 11 Mbps. At such speeds, wireless LANs compete with wired Ethernet in performance.
Wireless local loop (WLL) technologies are another important emerging wireless application area. Such systems are an alternative for locales that don't have DSL and cable access; they can be deployed in a short period of time across a wide area. Potential markets include city centres and rural areas. Countries in which access demand is high but only a small or inadequate wired infrastructure exists--like Brazil, China, and Russia--will also be widespread adopters of this technology.
Mobile Generations
The industry recognises three generations of mobile wireless service, and the third generation (3G) has recently surfaced. Everyone agrees that this technology must carry data and digitised voice seamlessly, but all agreements end there. Practically every provider of cellular service and equipment has signed up to support the appropriate 3G technologies, but the final players and timetable are still up for grabs.
There is no magic formula for picking wireless data services, but they have the potential to create the next big change in the connectivity equation.
THINKERS
"Everywhere you look, individuals are adopting the wireless tool belt--a pager and cell phone strapped to the body, with a PDA or mobile computer in tow. Technologies like Bluetooth will create a PAN for the wireless consolidation of electronic devices, but the wireless interconnection technologies to Internet information repositories are the real key. Third-generation wireless technology will provide the necessary bandwidth and data rates. Next, WAP/WML must reach a level of ubiquitous support. This could speed wireless application development by providing a common grammar and vocabulary. Lastly, a true wireless microbrowser is needed. Such a new browser must enable developers to mimic, exactly and intuitively, the behaviour the user expects. These traits will provide the sought-after stickiness and differentiate this browser from the countless others vying for a share of market attention."
- James T. Thannum, director, technology management, FedEx Services.
