It’s not exactly breaking news that our world is becoming
increasingly wireless. Many of our daily activities that
once needed a wired connection can now be done wirelessly!
The cell phone craze was probably the first revolution that
seemingly happened overnight. The convenience of being
constantly connected or plugged in to the your business,
friends, or family was an undeniable need that was quickly
met. For many people it has become a necessary in their
daily lives.
Wireless computers, notebooks or laptops may just be the second
wave in our struggle to becoming a totally wireless world. The
ability to be constantly connected to your business and/or loved
ones is revolutionizing the way we use computers and the Internet.
The ultraportable, versatile little notebook computer, will no doubt
play a major leading role in our wireless struggle to be constantly
connected. It’s the ‘portability’ of the notebook or laptop
computer that holds the most appeal and is its major selling
point. And its popularity is growing.
It is estimated that over 42 million computer notebooks
will be produced this year in 2005. The market for laptop and
notebook computers is growing at a rate of 20% each year
according to Taiwanese notebook makers. And they should
know — they make 70% of these notebooks or their components
for such major players as Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Gateway.
But it’s the portability and wireless communication these devices
offer that’s increasing their popularity among most users.
Just how is this wireless communication accomplished by the
notebook or laptop you ask?
Wireless notebooks uses three major wireless data standards in
order to transfer data. The one that is probably most common is
802.11b, also called Wi-Fi which stands for Wireless Fidelity.
Wi-Fi or 802.11b transfers data wirelessly at a maximum rate of
11Mbps for up to 150 feet. It uses the 2.4GHz radio spectrum and
although it says 11Mbps, you will probably only get around 4-6Mbps
in actual use. But this is enough bandwidth for high speed
Internet, gaming and most file transfers.
The 802.11a is another standard that uses the 5GHz radio spectrum,
so it has 8 channels available instead of only 3 that’s available with
802.11b. The ‘A’ version also permits a larger transfer, at a maximum
of 54Mbps.
The other standard, 802.11g, is a hybrid of ‘A’ and ‘B’ — its also
capable of 54Mbps but it uses the 2.4 GHz spectrum and is compatible
with 802.11b devices. Some notebooks like the Fujitsu LifeBook N6010,
have a tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless system that uses all three forms!
The next technology in Wireless Communication is 3G EV-DO! Sounds
like one of those funny robots from Starwars — but it stands for
evolution-data optimized. This new technology will change how we
view and use the world wide web.
Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO began commercial operations in Oct. of
2003 and is now expanding to over 125 million US consumers by the end
of 2005. With download speeds of 400 to 700 kbps and bursts up to 2 Mbps,
3G has really given us wireless Internet this time. It has or will
turn the Internet into a truly wireless system that’s devoid of any
cables or lines. It will be everywhere — no space within our biosphere
will be without the Internet very soon.
Of course, it should be kept in mind, that any group of computers can be
made wireless by using a wireless router and a wireless network adaptor
for each computer. Also, many notebooks and computers come with a
Bluetooth module, which allows for wireless communication between
any sort of electronic devices — from cell phones to computer to
stereos to headphones.
However, if you’re setting up a wireless network or if you’re using
your wireless notebook or laptop at hotels and airports — security
will be a concern. Anyone within distance, possessing the right equipment
and a little ingenuity may get access to this wireless system. For major
corporations or the lowly homeowner; safeguards need to be taken to
prevent unwanted visitors from interrupting your peaceful wireless
universe.
There are usually two basic methods of securing wireless networks, WEP
and MAC address filtering. The MAC (Media Access Control) is the physical
address or unique hardware identifier given to each device in the network.
Then you manually enter a list of addresses that can use or access your
wireless network.
The other filtering process is more secure, WEP or Wireless Encryption
Protocol requires a shared key between the users and then using this key to
encrypt and de-encrypt data that’s transmitted between your network users.
Many major hotel chains and other businesses are now offering ‘Wi-Fi’
services as an added convenience to their patrons. These ‘hot spots’ are
popping up everywhere, even at some gas stations. You may need to sign in or get
a password or key to access these services.
But like your cell phone conversations, any radio transfer or
transmission will not be as secure as a wired connection. Keep this in
mind if privacy is a major concern for you. But don’t let it stop you
from enjoying the convenience, portability and practicality of your
wireless notebook or laptop.
It’s a wireless world after all.
For More Information on Computer Notebooks and Laptops Click Here: Computer Notebook Guide
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