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"Wireless" is the cable-free technology that connects machines to one another. Wireless connections between remote workers and your network give businesses flexibility and power. Become familiar with these technologies and find out which kind of wireless platform will give you greater control over your working environment, both in the office and out.
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Wireless gives you the freedom from cables without sacrificing connectivity. It eliminates location and time restrictions, so an office can be virtually anywhere. Devices connect with other wireless devices to provide mobile workers with more seamless work methods. In-office applications help free up your network, too. Wireless means your business is smarter and more productive. Your people are freer to do what they do best, without having to combat technology obstacles.
There are three main connection methods which are used by wireless devices:
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Bluetooth® |
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What is it?
Bluetooth® is a universally available radio frequency that connects Bluetooth®-enabled devices to one another at distances of up to about ten metres. With it, you can connect your notebook or handheld to other notebook computers, mobile phones, cameras, printers, keyboards, speakers, and even a computer mouse.
What does it do for you?
It allows for quick and easy connection between your Bluetooth®-enabled devices, creating a personal area network (PAN) enabling you to combine all your key work tools with full office functionality. Using Bluetooth®’s peer-peer network allows you to easily exchange files at impromptu meetings, save time printing documents without having to connect to a fixed or wireless network. For example, you’ve just finished a meeting in your client’s office and you need the status report printed for immediate action. Using Bluetooth®, you can print the report from your notebook using any Bluetooth®-enabled printer within range, no wires, no fuss, you don’t even have to move.
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Wi-Fi |
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What's a Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a medium sized IT network that uses the 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g radio frequency rather than wires, and enables various wireless connections to the Internet. If you know where a Wi-Fi or WLAN is, you can surf the web, do email, and access your private company network. It's ideally suited for the "road warrior" mobile worker.
What can it do for me?
Wherever there's a Wi-Fi, there's an information and communication portal. Introducing a WLAN in the office allows you greater freedom, enabling your traditional working environment to become more versatile. These capabilities however aren’t confined just to the office as more and more WLANs are popping up, in places like cafes and restaurants, hotels and airports, giving you accessibility to the information you need. Miss a plane? Send those emails and invoices out. Need to find the latest inventory, but there's no one in the warehouse? Access your company network, and get the answers you need, on your schedule. Wi-Fi puts more of the Internet at your command.
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GPRS |
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What is GPRS?
GPRS lets mobile phones send and receive data over an Internet-Protocol (IP) network, at the same speed as a standard dial up phone line – wherever you are. With it, your mobile phone can surf the web, send and receive email, download data and media. It also acts as a connection for your notebook or other mobile devices.
What do I use it for?
GPRS users are referred to as being "always on," because with it, they are always connected to the Internet. Using short text messages, field workers can report their progress and request support. Travelling executives can access their corporate email, as can a sales person, who might also check on inventory. You can automate your home or office with GPRS devices and monitor your investments. Use it in conjunction with your notebook to transfer files, or collaborate from a distance. “Always on” yes, but not always paying - you are charged based only on the amount of data transferred not call duration.
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