FI, PAN & LAN
The terms W-LAN and WI-FI are often used interchangeably but they have very distinct meanings. Just to confuse matters further, you might also come across the expression W-PAN. So what’s the difference?
W-LAN is an acronym for Wireless Local Area Network. In plain English, the term describes a network of office machines connected without the aid of cable. The term does not imply any particular technology. However, in most cases, Wireless LANs will use a radio system known as WiFi
WiFi is a radio standard that emerged as the dominant enabling technology for Wireless LAN. More technically known as standard 802.11b. It works by creating what could be described as a bubble of radio connectivity around a specified area.
W-PAN is short for Wireless Personal Area Network. This is an essentially a transactional medium between two people or machines. For instance, if you share data between Palm organisers using infrared links, you have set up a Wireless PAN. Similarly, anyone using a mobile phone to make a purchase from a vending machine is using PAN technology.
Much of the recent publicity surrounding WiFi has focused on so-called hotspots. Just as you can create a radio footprint in your office, commercial operators such as BT, T-Mobile, Megabeam and latterly Internet Exchange have been creating similar bubbles of connectivity in venues such as airport lounges, hotel lobbies and motorway service stations.
The idea is simple. If you have a notebook with a WiFi card or embedded chip, when you enter one of these hotspots, you can log onto the net. This is ideal for mobile workers who can access email or company information via the web. Subscriptions range from about 17 a session (BT) down to zero at some branches of Starbucks.
If you think you need portable computers either in the office or on the road, WiFi can make your life easier from day one. If that isn’t the case, there aren’t too many immediate benefits to be had from a wholesale migration. Think ahead though – and if you envisage scaling up, relocating or just having some sexy toys to play with, it may be worth considering.
Glossary
Hotspot - The area within which a WiFi enabled device can access a local network or internet gateway.
Bluetooth. A radio technology used to connect devices such as laptops with mobile phones.
Centrino – A chip create by Intel now found in many laptops that removes the need for a wireless card.
802.11b. Otherwise known as WiFi. The radio standard most frequently adopted for creating wireless offices
802,11g. An upgrade of 802.11b. Allows greater bandwidth and range. Currently available but you may be wise to hold off until the bugs have been ironed out.
PCI WiFi card. A transmitter/receiver that slots into desktop PCs.
PCMCIA WiFi card. Transmitter/receiver for Laptops
Wireless Access Point: Recognisable by antennae sticking out the top, the access point creates a bubble of radio connectivity in an office. The heart of any wireless network system.
