Wireless Networks
The importance of wireless networks, in the workplace, especially, grows every day. In the past, having an online platform to operate on was a luxury to a business. Today, it is a necessity for any refutable company or enterprise to be able to connect wirelessly at any location and at any time. It’s certain that no industry is growing faster than technology. According to Moore’s Law, discovered by Gordon E. Moore in 1965, processing speed doubles every 18 months. Ever since, his law has held true.
It’s a good thing that the technology is improving so rapidly: the demand for wireless networks is growing even faster. No more does the average person connect to a network on solely a computer. They can be connected on multiple computers, a smart phone, and a tablet all at once. This growth can be a good thing: as smart phones have become nearly universal in the cell phone industry, BYOD (Bring your own device) has become a part of the workforce. If everyone already has a smartphone that is compatible with a business’ needs, why buy them all new phones? As smartphones grow more and more capable, BYOD will be a more prominent trend.
There are some negatives to such wide diversity of devices. BYOD can pose a security threat if it isn’t implemented directly: each new device on the network opens pathways onto your corporate network that didn’t previously exist. Every new device with access to the company network is a risk. Regardless of how a smartphone is provided to an employee, however, the fact remains that a smartphone and a network to connect the phone to are nearly mandatory for any viable business. As the demand grows, putting higher stress on the 4g data services from the major mobile companies, the expectation and necessity for Wi-Fi everywhere skyrockets.
The standard continues to evolve. The 802.11, the standard for Wi-Fi, is constantly managed by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). Wi-Fi is in fact finite. The FCC mandates that only a certain amount of the spectrum available can be used for Wi-Fi, so all they can do is tweak the system to squeeze as much performance out of the system as possible. They are dedicated to improving the speed and efficiency of Wi-Fi, setting a new, faster standard every few years. This growth may seem intimidating, but from the perspective of any business, wireless networks are definitely a good thing. They are enabling the push to a mobile workforce. Ultimately, it boils down to efficiency. You can put information in front of who ever you want, whenever you want. Communication is expedited if not instantaneous, decisions are easier and supported by data analysis, and flexibility of business grows.
Eventually, many companies should be able to operate remotely, through the use of technology. One thing remains certain: wireless networks are the most important they’ve ever been, and they will continue to grow indefinitely.
To read more about our mobile solutions, go to http://www.abr.com/Solution/Employee-Mobility_2.