Network Computing | ||
Issue
25 - September 2000
|
||
If you watch closely on campus, you will see more and more students use portable notebooks to browse on the Internet, register courses or check e-mail in public areas like the Library, Student Canteen, the 4/F Mall and Covered Terrace. One may begin to ask how these notebooks get connected to the network without the fuss of wiring them to specific network points. The answer is the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). To be exact, it is a flexible data communication system using electro-magnetic waves (radio or infrared) to transmit and receive data over the air. It can be integrated with the existing wired network seamlessly and easily so that users can enjoy network computing without the physical constraint of looking for a network port to plug in. Advantages of WLAN Comparing with the traditional wired networks, WLAN has the following advantages:
In some circumstances, we need additional or temporary network points at some locations where wiring is not appropriate for specific functions. With WLAN, network installation can be easy and instant without the need to physically lay cables through floors and ceilings. Disadvantages of WLAN Although the WLAN provides most of the functionality of the wired LANs, it has the following disadvantages:
Summary The WLAN is not a replacement for the wired network yet. Due to its limited bandwidth, we are currently using it as a supplement to the traditional network to provide flexibility and mobility to our users. As new technology is developing, high-speed products will be available soon. It is now becoming more and more popular and we can foresee that the WLAN will have a very brilliant future ahead. |
||