Wireless Networks
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Over the last five years desktop computers have changed from stand alone workstations into networked clients which rely on connectivity. E-mail, remote storage services and the Web are just a few of the uses that are common place in most institutions, both educational and commercial. In addition, computing is becoming more mobile, handheld and notebook computer sales are growing each year. A report from Dataquest Inc. has shown that Notebook sales have increased by 20% each year for the last three years and show no sign of slowing.
Introduction
The move towards mobile use and a reliance on the network has caused increasing problems for computing departments in all areas of industry and education. To address these problems Radio and Infrared technology is being used to connect mobile users and network buildings which previously would have been impossible. What was once an fledgling technology is being transformed by improved systems into a viable cost effective solution.
Wireless networks can be divided into two areas in much the same way that traditional wired networks are: Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). As with wired networks, wireless LANs have a higher data rate and are confined to small areas, either a building or campus. Wireless WANs can cover anything from a city to a continent. The work carried out at Canterbury Christ Church College concentrated on Local Area Networks and much of the content of this paper is dedicated to wireless LANs, however, a brief description of wireless WANs is included.