IX. ANSWERS TO REAL WORLD CASES
Real World Case 1: Sierra Wireless:
AirCard Flies on 1X
1. What is the value of a wireless communications system?
The main advantage associated with wireless networks is Mobility. With new technologies in wireless local area networks and wide area networks, and emerging standards in protocols and coverage, people can work together collaboratively and coordinate their work irrespective of their physical locations. Specifically, mobility allows broader availability of connectivity (and faster access to information on demand), it avoids physical constraints of cables and other hardware issues, and it also provides future scalability (ease to deploy additional units).
2. What are some disadvantages and limitations of wireless networks?
The disadvantages of WWANs and WLANs can be summarized as follows:
WWANs are more susceptible to environmental factors (weather and terrain);
Packet loss and other latency issues (slower than 28.8 modem) are very common — quality is usually too poor to support most client-server applications (until 3G networks are adopted fully);
Many competing, incompatible technologies are currently available, with even more technologies in development;
Technology is relatively more expensive
3. Would you prefer a wireless laptop to a networked PC in your business workplace? Why or why not?
I would prefer a wireless laptop with multiple points of access available throughout the workplace. This would allow seamless connection to the workplace intranet and possibly the internet without the need to physically hook up the system to a network outlet. This is especially useful for the mobile worker who has to frequently attend business meetings and/or share office space with co-workers.
|
