| Wireless technology is gaining ground because of its | | | | will run on the existing hardware. Though scientists are |
| low cost and ease-of-use. We all are familiar with | | | | still working on it, it is poised to take the world by |
| radio and phones that use wireless technology. There | | | | storm. The first WiMAX equipment is slated for launch |
| are many more possible practical applications for | | | | by the end of 2005. Its biggest advantage will be that it |
| wireless and the breakthrough developments | | | | will cover a wide area, which could be as much as up |
| happening in this field are set to revolutionize the future. | | | | to 50 kilometers! The term Local Area Network (LAN) |
| Wireless network means less maintenance and less | | | | will be replaced by Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), |
| cost. The advent of radio has put a stop to the use of | | | | which would cover the whole city! It will also offer |
| telephones that uses wires to transmit signals. The | | | | higher speeds of up to an astounding 10MB per |
| new age cell phones based on wireless technology | | | | second, coupled with improved security. All you would |
| have made it possible for us to reach anyone anytime. | | | | need to do is buy a subscription, plug into a network |
| Wireless technology translates into a lower cost since | | | | and you are ready to go! |
| it obviates the laying down of cables and wires and | | | | Bluetooth technology is becoming a part of our lives |
| regular maintenance. The other area where a | | | | now. Apart from replacing your USB port, it has the |
| significant impact has been felt is in the networking of | | | | potential of replacing all the wires in your equipment, |
| computers. The usual scenario of having a wired | | | | except for the power cord! Imagine the convenience |
| Internet connection is all set to change. The wireless | | | | of staying in a house that does not have wires, where |
| connections are soon going to be cheaper than the | | | | Bluetooth connects all the equipment. It would mean |
| wired alternative and will also be easier to use. This will | | | | fewer hassles in cleaning the house coupled with |
| result in people shifting to the wireless option, if | | | | freedom from the fear of tripping over wires! |
| available. | | | | It wouldn't be surprising if by the end of the next |
| Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access | | | | decade wireless technology would becomes |
| (WiMAX) will be the next generation of wireless, an | | | | commonplace. It sounds convenient and should also be |
| improvement over the existing wireless networking | | | | lesser in cost. Given its potential, we all seem to have |
| that uses a standard called 802.11. The good news is | | | | a much easier life, with a faster and safer access to |
| that you will not need to change your equipment, as it | | | | the world! |