By Colin Gibbs
WiMAX could be the technology that fuels the fusion of all sorts of mobile applications, integrating video, location-based services and a host of other offerings.
And analysts generally agree that speedy access to the wireless Web will be the key.
“When I talk WiMAX, I always quote my boss Sean Maloney,” said Ron Peck of Intel Corp., referring to the company’s general manager of sales and marketing. “If you’re pitching WiMAX, you must repeat: the mobile Internet is the next big thing.”
It’s no secret that WiMAX offers a combination of wide coverage, high capacity and low latency rarely seen—if not unprecedented—in wireless. The technology is claimed to top out at 70 megabits per second and delivers a footprint of as many as 37 miles under ideal conditions (although not simultaneously—like DSL, the network’s speed is influenced by its reach, and vice versa).
Actual network speeds are likely to average between 2 and 4 Mbps, according to operators. But even on the low end, WiMAX appears to be speedier and offer more capacity than 3G networks.
Fat pipe for hungry users
That combination means more than just connecting lots of users more efficiently, according to Daryl Schoolar, a senior analyst with In-Stat. It means more consumers can consume more data, more quickly.
“From everything I’ve been told by vendors who make both WiMAX and cellular equipment, WiMAX has significantly lower lag,” said Schoolar. “They also tell me it can support more connected users. That would certainly lend itself toward real-time apps such as streaming apps.”Which is why WiMAX is expected to give birth to a host of connected devices dedicated to a single use. Not only is the technology likely to serve as a catalyst for the production of mobile music and video players, it will provide connectivity to consumer electronics such as cameras, camcorders and gaming devices—devices that don’t traditionally offer network access.
Taking advantage of WiMAX
But even as it sparks an increase in the number of dedicated devices, WiMAX is predicted to provide a boost to converged devices. Just as 3G networks and GPS technology has provided a platform for developers to build compelling applications that deliver both relatively low latency and remarkably accurate location information, WiMAX’s speed and capacity could prove ideal for offerings that fuse a number of different applications.
“I think you’re going to see a lot of the video side of the Internet,” said Peck, including video-sharing and other mobile social networking features. “I also think you’re going to see a ton of visual apps” that integrate video with location-aware applications, games and other offerings.
Other possibilities include teleconferences that include both video and Web-based applications, and multiplayer games that feature GPS location information and nearly real-time play.
And while WiMAX may suffer in urban environments—where indoor usage may slow the network to the lower range of expected speeds even when a tower is relatively nearby—the technology will work hand-in-hand with Wi-Fi and other channels of connectivity, Peck said.
Questioning Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is “stupid,” according to Peck, and simply offers a connection without taking other technologies into account. But WiMAX is “very smart” and can hand users off if a more efficient network is available. So consumers could surf the Web or sit in on a multiplayer gaming session on WiMAX on the commute home, then automatically switch to Wi-Fi when they get indoors.
So the new technology may provide a platform that not only serves as a high-speed highway, it will allow devices to take detours whenever backups occur. Developers will scramble to leverage WiMAX, Peck predicted, throwing all sorts of applications at the wall to see what sticks.
“I think it’s going to be the wild, wild West,” Peck predicted.
Monday, 5 November 2007
WiMAX expected to supercharge wireless applications
By Colin Gibbs
WiMAX could be the technology that fuels the fusion of all sorts of mobile applications, integrating video, location-based services and a host of other offerings.
And analysts generally agree that speedy access to the wireless Web will be the key.
“When I talk WiMAX, I always quote my boss Sean Maloney,” said Ron Peck of Intel Corp., referring to the company’s general manager of sales and marketing. “If you’re pitching WiMAX, you must repeat: the mobile Internet is the next big thing.”
It’s no secret that WiMAX offers a combination of wide coverage, high capacity and low latency rarely seen—if not unprecedented—in wireless. The technology is claimed to top out at 70 megabits per second and delivers a footprint of as many as 37 miles under ideal conditions (although not simultaneously—like DSL, the network’s speed is influenced by its reach, and vice versa).
Actual network speeds are likely to average between 2 and 4 Mbps, according to operators. But even on the low end, WiMAX appears to be speedier and offer more capacity than 3G networks.
Fat pipe for hungry users
That combination means more than just connecting lots of users more efficiently, according to Daryl Schoolar, a senior analyst with In-Stat. It means more consumers can consume more data, more quickly.
“From everything I’ve been told by vendors who make both WiMAX and cellular equipment, WiMAX has significantly lower lag,” said Schoolar. “They also tell me it can support more connected users. That would certainly lend itself toward real-time apps such as streaming apps.”Which is why WiMAX is expected to give birth to a host of connected devices dedicated to a single use. Not only is the technology likely to serve as a catalyst for the production of mobile music and video players, it will provide connectivity to consumer electronics such as cameras, camcorders and gaming devices—devices that don’t traditionally offer network access.
Taking advantage of WiMAX
But even as it sparks an increase in the number of dedicated devices, WiMAX is predicted to provide a boost to converged devices. Just as 3G networks and GPS technology has provided a platform for developers to build compelling applications that deliver both relatively low latency and remarkably accurate location information, WiMAX’s speed and capacity could prove ideal for offerings that fuse a number of different applications.
“I think you’re going to see a lot of the video side of the Internet,” said Peck, including video-sharing and other mobile social networking features. “I also think you’re going to see a ton of visual apps” that integrate video with location-aware applications, games and other offerings.
Other possibilities include teleconferences that include both video and Web-based applications, and multiplayer games that feature GPS location information and nearly real-time play.
And while WiMAX may suffer in urban environments—where indoor usage may slow the network to the lower range of expected speeds even when a tower is relatively nearby—the technology will work hand-in-hand with Wi-Fi and other channels of connectivity, Peck said.
Questioning Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is “stupid,” according to Peck, and simply offers a connection without taking other technologies into account. But WiMAX is “very smart” and can hand users off if a more efficient network is available. So consumers could surf the Web or sit in on a multiplayer gaming session on WiMAX on the commute home, then automatically switch to Wi-Fi when they get indoors.
So the new technology may provide a platform that not only serves as a high-speed highway, it will allow devices to take detours whenever backups occur. Developers will scramble to leverage WiMAX, Peck predicted, throwing all sorts of applications at the wall to see what sticks.
“I think it’s going to be the wild, wild West,” Peck predicted.
WiMAX could be the technology that fuels the fusion of all sorts of mobile applications, integrating video, location-based services and a host of other offerings.
And analysts generally agree that speedy access to the wireless Web will be the key.
“When I talk WiMAX, I always quote my boss Sean Maloney,” said Ron Peck of Intel Corp., referring to the company’s general manager of sales and marketing. “If you’re pitching WiMAX, you must repeat: the mobile Internet is the next big thing.”
It’s no secret that WiMAX offers a combination of wide coverage, high capacity and low latency rarely seen—if not unprecedented—in wireless. The technology is claimed to top out at 70 megabits per second and delivers a footprint of as many as 37 miles under ideal conditions (although not simultaneously—like DSL, the network’s speed is influenced by its reach, and vice versa).
Actual network speeds are likely to average between 2 and 4 Mbps, according to operators. But even on the low end, WiMAX appears to be speedier and offer more capacity than 3G networks.
Fat pipe for hungry users
That combination means more than just connecting lots of users more efficiently, according to Daryl Schoolar, a senior analyst with In-Stat. It means more consumers can consume more data, more quickly.
“From everything I’ve been told by vendors who make both WiMAX and cellular equipment, WiMAX has significantly lower lag,” said Schoolar. “They also tell me it can support more connected users. That would certainly lend itself toward real-time apps such as streaming apps.”Which is why WiMAX is expected to give birth to a host of connected devices dedicated to a single use. Not only is the technology likely to serve as a catalyst for the production of mobile music and video players, it will provide connectivity to consumer electronics such as cameras, camcorders and gaming devices—devices that don’t traditionally offer network access.
Taking advantage of WiMAX
But even as it sparks an increase in the number of dedicated devices, WiMAX is predicted to provide a boost to converged devices. Just as 3G networks and GPS technology has provided a platform for developers to build compelling applications that deliver both relatively low latency and remarkably accurate location information, WiMAX’s speed and capacity could prove ideal for offerings that fuse a number of different applications.
“I think you’re going to see a lot of the video side of the Internet,” said Peck, including video-sharing and other mobile social networking features. “I also think you’re going to see a ton of visual apps” that integrate video with location-aware applications, games and other offerings.
Other possibilities include teleconferences that include both video and Web-based applications, and multiplayer games that feature GPS location information and nearly real-time play.
And while WiMAX may suffer in urban environments—where indoor usage may slow the network to the lower range of expected speeds even when a tower is relatively nearby—the technology will work hand-in-hand with Wi-Fi and other channels of connectivity, Peck said.
Questioning Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is “stupid,” according to Peck, and simply offers a connection without taking other technologies into account. But WiMAX is “very smart” and can hand users off if a more efficient network is available. So consumers could surf the Web or sit in on a multiplayer gaming session on WiMAX on the commute home, then automatically switch to Wi-Fi when they get indoors.
So the new technology may provide a platform that not only serves as a high-speed highway, it will allow devices to take detours whenever backups occur. Developers will scramble to leverage WiMAX, Peck predicted, throwing all sorts of applications at the wall to see what sticks.
“I think it’s going to be the wild, wild West,” Peck predicted.
WiMAX expected to supercharge wireless applications
By Colin Gibbs
WiMAX could be the technology that fuels the fusion of all sorts of mobile applications, integrating video, location-based services and a host of other offerings.
And analysts generally agree that speedy access to the wireless Web will be the key.
“When I talk WiMAX, I always quote my boss Sean Maloney,” said Ron Peck of Intel Corp., referring to the company’s general manager of sales and marketing. “If you’re pitching WiMAX, you must repeat: the mobile Internet is the next big thing.”
It’s no secret that WiMAX offers a combination of wide coverage, high capacity and low latency rarely seen—if not unprecedented—in wireless. The technology is claimed to top out at 70 megabits per second and delivers a footprint of as many as 37 miles under ideal conditions (although not simultaneously—like DSL, the network’s speed is influenced by its reach, and vice versa).
Actual network speeds are likely to average between 2 and 4 Mbps, according to operators. But even on the low end, WiMAX appears to be speedier and offer more capacity than 3G networks.
Fat pipe for hungry users
That combination means more than just connecting lots of users more efficiently, according to Daryl Schoolar, a senior analyst with In-Stat. It means more consumers can consume more data, more quickly.
“From everything I’ve been told by vendors who make both WiMAX and cellular equipment, WiMAX has significantly lower lag,” said Schoolar. “They also tell me it can support more connected users. That would certainly lend itself toward real-time apps such as streaming apps.”Which is why WiMAX is expected to give birth to a host of connected devices dedicated to a single use. Not only is the technology likely to serve as a catalyst for the production of mobile music and video players, it will provide connectivity to consumer electronics such as cameras, camcorders and gaming devices—devices that don’t traditionally offer network access.
Taking advantage of WiMAX
But even as it sparks an increase in the number of dedicated devices, WiMAX is predicted to provide a boost to converged devices. Just as 3G networks and GPS technology has provided a platform for developers to build compelling applications that deliver both relatively low latency and remarkably accurate location information, WiMAX’s speed and capacity could prove ideal for offerings that fuse a number of different applications.
“I think you’re going to see a lot of the video side of the Internet,” said Peck, including video-sharing and other mobile social networking features. “I also think you’re going to see a ton of visual apps” that integrate video with location-aware applications, games and other offerings.
Other possibilities include teleconferences that include both video and Web-based applications, and multiplayer games that feature GPS location information and nearly real-time play.
And while WiMAX may suffer in urban environments—where indoor usage may slow the network to the lower range of expected speeds even when a tower is relatively nearby—the technology will work hand-in-hand with Wi-Fi and other channels of connectivity, Peck said.
Questioning Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is “stupid,” according to Peck, and simply offers a connection without taking other technologies into account. But WiMAX is “very smart” and can hand users off if a more efficient network is available. So consumers could surf the Web or sit in on a multiplayer gaming session on WiMAX on the commute home, then automatically switch to Wi-Fi when they get indoors.
So the new technology may provide a platform that not only serves as a high-speed highway, it will allow devices to take detours whenever backups occur. Developers will scramble to leverage WiMAX, Peck predicted, throwing all sorts of applications at the wall to see what sticks.
“I think it’s going to be the wild, wild West,” Peck predicted.
WiMAX could be the technology that fuels the fusion of all sorts of mobile applications, integrating video, location-based services and a host of other offerings.
And analysts generally agree that speedy access to the wireless Web will be the key.
“When I talk WiMAX, I always quote my boss Sean Maloney,” said Ron Peck of Intel Corp., referring to the company’s general manager of sales and marketing. “If you’re pitching WiMAX, you must repeat: the mobile Internet is the next big thing.”
It’s no secret that WiMAX offers a combination of wide coverage, high capacity and low latency rarely seen—if not unprecedented—in wireless. The technology is claimed to top out at 70 megabits per second and delivers a footprint of as many as 37 miles under ideal conditions (although not simultaneously—like DSL, the network’s speed is influenced by its reach, and vice versa).
Actual network speeds are likely to average between 2 and 4 Mbps, according to operators. But even on the low end, WiMAX appears to be speedier and offer more capacity than 3G networks.
Fat pipe for hungry users
That combination means more than just connecting lots of users more efficiently, according to Daryl Schoolar, a senior analyst with In-Stat. It means more consumers can consume more data, more quickly.
“From everything I’ve been told by vendors who make both WiMAX and cellular equipment, WiMAX has significantly lower lag,” said Schoolar. “They also tell me it can support more connected users. That would certainly lend itself toward real-time apps such as streaming apps.”Which is why WiMAX is expected to give birth to a host of connected devices dedicated to a single use. Not only is the technology likely to serve as a catalyst for the production of mobile music and video players, it will provide connectivity to consumer electronics such as cameras, camcorders and gaming devices—devices that don’t traditionally offer network access.
Taking advantage of WiMAX
But even as it sparks an increase in the number of dedicated devices, WiMAX is predicted to provide a boost to converged devices. Just as 3G networks and GPS technology has provided a platform for developers to build compelling applications that deliver both relatively low latency and remarkably accurate location information, WiMAX’s speed and capacity could prove ideal for offerings that fuse a number of different applications.
“I think you’re going to see a lot of the video side of the Internet,” said Peck, including video-sharing and other mobile social networking features. “I also think you’re going to see a ton of visual apps” that integrate video with location-aware applications, games and other offerings.
Other possibilities include teleconferences that include both video and Web-based applications, and multiplayer games that feature GPS location information and nearly real-time play.
And while WiMAX may suffer in urban environments—where indoor usage may slow the network to the lower range of expected speeds even when a tower is relatively nearby—the technology will work hand-in-hand with Wi-Fi and other channels of connectivity, Peck said.
Questioning Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is “stupid,” according to Peck, and simply offers a connection without taking other technologies into account. But WiMAX is “very smart” and can hand users off if a more efficient network is available. So consumers could surf the Web or sit in on a multiplayer gaming session on WiMAX on the commute home, then automatically switch to Wi-Fi when they get indoors.
So the new technology may provide a platform that not only serves as a high-speed highway, it will allow devices to take detours whenever backups occur. Developers will scramble to leverage WiMAX, Peck predicted, throwing all sorts of applications at the wall to see what sticks.
“I think it’s going to be the wild, wild West,” Peck predicted.
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Big players have big plans for WiMAX
By Kelly Hill
Consider WiMAX a bit schizophrenic. The technology is taking two divergent paths as different countries and different companies explore how best to put it to use in their respective markets.
Dr. Mohammad Shakouri, board member and VP of marketing for the WiMAX Forum, has described the technology as serving “the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor” as companies lay out strategies that include either a high-end focused, consumer electronics play or a wireless broadband provider for the masses and in rural areas.
Both strategies are playing out in the U.S. market, but the space is dominated by three major players with large spectrum holdings in the 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz bands: AT&T Inc., Clearwire Corp. and Sprint Nextel Corp.
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire have been overshadowing the conversation of late, first appearing to operate on separate tracks and then announcing a partnership that is supposed to speed the deployment of mobile WiMAX as well as ease the burden of network costs for each respective company. The corporations have outlined a plan in which Sprint Nextel will build out 70% of the initial 100 million potential customers to be covered, while Clearwire builds out 30%. Sprint Nextel has outlined plans for a wide variety of consumer electronic devices to make use of the new network and also hinted at allowing wholesale agreements that could boost WiMAX traffic.
Sprint Nextel’s bet
Sprint Nextel has been outpaced in the traditional wireless market by Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility in subscriber growth and customer metrics, and it is betting that changing the nature of the competition will give it an advantage.
“It’s very difficult to change the balance of the subscriber bases right now in the U.S.,” said Moe Tanabian, analyst with IBB. Given Sprint Nextel’s customer and financial issues, he said, “they have to do something drastic. … They’re relying on this assumption—it may turn out to be true—that we’re moving from voice-centric wireless consumption to a data-centric wireless consumption” during the next three to five years.
Tanabian noted that Sprint Nextel first began its WiMAX push by aggressively talking up the technology and laying out ambitious plans—and that it has since toned down its approach a bit.
“They started to see things are not as rosy as they thought,” Tanabian said—and that led to the choice of Clearwire as a partner for WiMAX. The two companies plan to cooperate on services and branding under the Xohm brand name.
Clearwire’s upward mobility
For Clearwire, meanwhile, the announcement of the Sprint Nextel deal has catapulted it from an untried, small competitor into one that can play in the ranks of the top four wireless operators. It opens up the ability for the company to reach a vast potential customer base of 100 million people and to augment its coverage initially through use of Sprint Nextel’s cellular network.
Tanabian also noted that the company recently announced distribution agreements with satellite television providers DirecTV Group Inc. and EchoStar Communications Corp. that would enable it to fashion a triple-play bundle of services.
“They’re trying to diversify their business model,” Tanabian said. “So if for whatever reason the device ecosystem doesn’t develop as fast as they think it will, they still have other means of forging a business.
“Clearly, Clearwire was the winner from this deal—although Sprint won as well, by turning a foe into a friend and just getting rid of that headache. But Clearwire, it was just pure, sweet sugar for them.”
AT&T in Alaska
AT&T declined to speak about its plans for its holdings in the 2.3 GHz bands. However, the company did issue a statement on its strategy related to WiMAX, noting its deployment this summer in Alaska and apparently taking the path of using WiMAX to extend broadband coverage rather than push new technology.
“AT&T has been heavily involved in the development of emerging technologies like WiMAX and Wi-Fi mesh networks, which bring strong potential for extending and expanding customers’ ability to access broadband connections. The company has played a leading role in development of emerging WiMAX standards, and has launched 22 limited deployments and trials of WiMAX and other fixed wireless technologies to date, eight of which remain in operation as commercial offerings today,” said AT&T spokeswoman Jenny Parker.
Parker added that AT&T Alascom had announced its latest deployment of WiMAX in Juneau, Ala., in July and that it “plans to deploy WiMAX-based broadband in additional Alaska markets in 2008.”
“Outside of Alaska, AT&T will evaluate further opportunities to deploy WiMAX and other fixed wireless technologies based on customer needs and the results of its existing technical and commercial deployments,” Parker said.
Those opportunities could also include the bucket of 700 MHz spectrum AT&T Mobility recently acquired from Aloha Partners L.P. for $2.5 billion. The spectrum, which is near the 700 MHz spectrum the government is scheduled to begin auctioning early next year, gives the industry’s No. 1 player a deeper spectrum portfolio covering nearly 200 million potential customers across the country.
The carrier said it has yet to decide how to use the spectrum, but with its enviable propagation characteristics, you can bet it will be for an important service.
“We’ll use the spectrum either for broadcast mobile or two-way voice and data services, but not both,” AT&T Mobility spokesman Michael Coe recently said. “We’ll make that determination based on what’s best for our customers.”
Consider WiMAX a bit schizophrenic. The technology is taking two divergent paths as different countries and different companies explore how best to put it to use in their respective markets.
Dr. Mohammad Shakouri, board member and VP of marketing for the WiMAX Forum, has described the technology as serving “the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor” as companies lay out strategies that include either a high-end focused, consumer electronics play or a wireless broadband provider for the masses and in rural areas.
Both strategies are playing out in the U.S. market, but the space is dominated by three major players with large spectrum holdings in the 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz bands: AT&T Inc., Clearwire Corp. and Sprint Nextel Corp.
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire have been overshadowing the conversation of late, first appearing to operate on separate tracks and then announcing a partnership that is supposed to speed the deployment of mobile WiMAX as well as ease the burden of network costs for each respective company. The corporations have outlined a plan in which Sprint Nextel will build out 70% of the initial 100 million potential customers to be covered, while Clearwire builds out 30%. Sprint Nextel has outlined plans for a wide variety of consumer electronic devices to make use of the new network and also hinted at allowing wholesale agreements that could boost WiMAX traffic.
Sprint Nextel’s bet
Sprint Nextel has been outpaced in the traditional wireless market by Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility in subscriber growth and customer metrics, and it is betting that changing the nature of the competition will give it an advantage.
“It’s very difficult to change the balance of the subscriber bases right now in the U.S.,” said Moe Tanabian, analyst with IBB. Given Sprint Nextel’s customer and financial issues, he said, “they have to do something drastic. … They’re relying on this assumption—it may turn out to be true—that we’re moving from voice-centric wireless consumption to a data-centric wireless consumption” during the next three to five years.
Tanabian noted that Sprint Nextel first began its WiMAX push by aggressively talking up the technology and laying out ambitious plans—and that it has since toned down its approach a bit.
“They started to see things are not as rosy as they thought,” Tanabian said—and that led to the choice of Clearwire as a partner for WiMAX. The two companies plan to cooperate on services and branding under the Xohm brand name.
Clearwire’s upward mobility
For Clearwire, meanwhile, the announcement of the Sprint Nextel deal has catapulted it from an untried, small competitor into one that can play in the ranks of the top four wireless operators. It opens up the ability for the company to reach a vast potential customer base of 100 million people and to augment its coverage initially through use of Sprint Nextel’s cellular network.
Tanabian also noted that the company recently announced distribution agreements with satellite television providers DirecTV Group Inc. and EchoStar Communications Corp. that would enable it to fashion a triple-play bundle of services.
“They’re trying to diversify their business model,” Tanabian said. “So if for whatever reason the device ecosystem doesn’t develop as fast as they think it will, they still have other means of forging a business.
“Clearly, Clearwire was the winner from this deal—although Sprint won as well, by turning a foe into a friend and just getting rid of that headache. But Clearwire, it was just pure, sweet sugar for them.”
AT&T in Alaska
AT&T declined to speak about its plans for its holdings in the 2.3 GHz bands. However, the company did issue a statement on its strategy related to WiMAX, noting its deployment this summer in Alaska and apparently taking the path of using WiMAX to extend broadband coverage rather than push new technology.
“AT&T has been heavily involved in the development of emerging technologies like WiMAX and Wi-Fi mesh networks, which bring strong potential for extending and expanding customers’ ability to access broadband connections. The company has played a leading role in development of emerging WiMAX standards, and has launched 22 limited deployments and trials of WiMAX and other fixed wireless technologies to date, eight of which remain in operation as commercial offerings today,” said AT&T spokeswoman Jenny Parker.
Parker added that AT&T Alascom had announced its latest deployment of WiMAX in Juneau, Ala., in July and that it “plans to deploy WiMAX-based broadband in additional Alaska markets in 2008.”
“Outside of Alaska, AT&T will evaluate further opportunities to deploy WiMAX and other fixed wireless technologies based on customer needs and the results of its existing technical and commercial deployments,” Parker said.
Those opportunities could also include the bucket of 700 MHz spectrum AT&T Mobility recently acquired from Aloha Partners L.P. for $2.5 billion. The spectrum, which is near the 700 MHz spectrum the government is scheduled to begin auctioning early next year, gives the industry’s No. 1 player a deeper spectrum portfolio covering nearly 200 million potential customers across the country.
The carrier said it has yet to decide how to use the spectrum, but with its enviable propagation characteristics, you can bet it will be for an important service.
“We’ll use the spectrum either for broadcast mobile or two-way voice and data services, but not both,” AT&T Mobility spokesman Michael Coe recently said. “We’ll make that determination based on what’s best for our customers.”
Big players have big plans for WiMAX
By Kelly Hill
Consider WiMAX a bit schizophrenic. The technology is taking two divergent paths as different countries and different companies explore how best to put it to use in their respective markets.
Dr. Mohammad Shakouri, board member and VP of marketing for the WiMAX Forum, has described the technology as serving “the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor” as companies lay out strategies that include either a high-end focused, consumer electronics play or a wireless broadband provider for the masses and in rural areas.
Both strategies are playing out in the U.S. market, but the space is dominated by three major players with large spectrum holdings in the 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz bands: AT&T Inc., Clearwire Corp. and Sprint Nextel Corp.
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire have been overshadowing the conversation of late, first appearing to operate on separate tracks and then announcing a partnership that is supposed to speed the deployment of mobile WiMAX as well as ease the burden of network costs for each respective company. The corporations have outlined a plan in which Sprint Nextel will build out 70% of the initial 100 million potential customers to be covered, while Clearwire builds out 30%. Sprint Nextel has outlined plans for a wide variety of consumer electronic devices to make use of the new network and also hinted at allowing wholesale agreements that could boost WiMAX traffic.
Sprint Nextel’s bet
Sprint Nextel has been outpaced in the traditional wireless market by Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility in subscriber growth and customer metrics, and it is betting that changing the nature of the competition will give it an advantage.
“It’s very difficult to change the balance of the subscriber bases right now in the U.S.,” said Moe Tanabian, analyst with IBB. Given Sprint Nextel’s customer and financial issues, he said, “they have to do something drastic. … They’re relying on this assumption—it may turn out to be true—that we’re moving from voice-centric wireless consumption to a data-centric wireless consumption” during the next three to five years.
Tanabian noted that Sprint Nextel first began its WiMAX push by aggressively talking up the technology and laying out ambitious plans—and that it has since toned down its approach a bit.
“They started to see things are not as rosy as they thought,” Tanabian said—and that led to the choice of Clearwire as a partner for WiMAX. The two companies plan to cooperate on services and branding under the Xohm brand name.
Clearwire’s upward mobility
For Clearwire, meanwhile, the announcement of the Sprint Nextel deal has catapulted it from an untried, small competitor into one that can play in the ranks of the top four wireless operators. It opens up the ability for the company to reach a vast potential customer base of 100 million people and to augment its coverage initially through use of Sprint Nextel’s cellular network.
Tanabian also noted that the company recently announced distribution agreements with satellite television providers DirecTV Group Inc. and EchoStar Communications Corp. that would enable it to fashion a triple-play bundle of services.
“They’re trying to diversify their business model,” Tanabian said. “So if for whatever reason the device ecosystem doesn’t develop as fast as they think it will, they still have other means of forging a business.
“Clearly, Clearwire was the winner from this deal—although Sprint won as well, by turning a foe into a friend and just getting rid of that headache. But Clearwire, it was just pure, sweet sugar for them.”
AT&T in Alaska
AT&T declined to speak about its plans for its holdings in the 2.3 GHz bands. However, the company did issue a statement on its strategy related to WiMAX, noting its deployment this summer in Alaska and apparently taking the path of using WiMAX to extend broadband coverage rather than push new technology.
“AT&T has been heavily involved in the development of emerging technologies like WiMAX and Wi-Fi mesh networks, which bring strong potential for extending and expanding customers’ ability to access broadband connections. The company has played a leading role in development of emerging WiMAX standards, and has launched 22 limited deployments and trials of WiMAX and other fixed wireless technologies to date, eight of which remain in operation as commercial offerings today,” said AT&T spokeswoman Jenny Parker.
Parker added that AT&T Alascom had announced its latest deployment of WiMAX in Juneau, Ala., in July and that it “plans to deploy WiMAX-based broadband in additional Alaska markets in 2008.”
“Outside of Alaska, AT&T will evaluate further opportunities to deploy WiMAX and other fixed wireless technologies based on customer needs and the results of its existing technical and commercial deployments,” Parker said.
Those opportunities could also include the bucket of 700 MHz spectrum AT&T Mobility recently acquired from Aloha Partners L.P. for $2.5 billion. The spectrum, which is near the 700 MHz spectrum the government is scheduled to begin auctioning early next year, gives the industry’s No. 1 player a deeper spectrum portfolio covering nearly 200 million potential customers across the country.
The carrier said it has yet to decide how to use the spectrum, but with its enviable propagation characteristics, you can bet it will be for an important service.
“We’ll use the spectrum either for broadcast mobile or two-way voice and data services, but not both,” AT&T Mobility spokesman Michael Coe recently said. “We’ll make that determination based on what’s best for our customers.”
Consider WiMAX a bit schizophrenic. The technology is taking two divergent paths as different countries and different companies explore how best to put it to use in their respective markets.
Dr. Mohammad Shakouri, board member and VP of marketing for the WiMAX Forum, has described the technology as serving “the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor” as companies lay out strategies that include either a high-end focused, consumer electronics play or a wireless broadband provider for the masses and in rural areas.
Both strategies are playing out in the U.S. market, but the space is dominated by three major players with large spectrum holdings in the 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz bands: AT&T Inc., Clearwire Corp. and Sprint Nextel Corp.
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire have been overshadowing the conversation of late, first appearing to operate on separate tracks and then announcing a partnership that is supposed to speed the deployment of mobile WiMAX as well as ease the burden of network costs for each respective company. The corporations have outlined a plan in which Sprint Nextel will build out 70% of the initial 100 million potential customers to be covered, while Clearwire builds out 30%. Sprint Nextel has outlined plans for a wide variety of consumer electronic devices to make use of the new network and also hinted at allowing wholesale agreements that could boost WiMAX traffic.
Sprint Nextel’s bet
Sprint Nextel has been outpaced in the traditional wireless market by Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility in subscriber growth and customer metrics, and it is betting that changing the nature of the competition will give it an advantage.
“It’s very difficult to change the balance of the subscriber bases right now in the U.S.,” said Moe Tanabian, analyst with IBB. Given Sprint Nextel’s customer and financial issues, he said, “they have to do something drastic. … They’re relying on this assumption—it may turn out to be true—that we’re moving from voice-centric wireless consumption to a data-centric wireless consumption” during the next three to five years.
Tanabian noted that Sprint Nextel first began its WiMAX push by aggressively talking up the technology and laying out ambitious plans—and that it has since toned down its approach a bit.
“They started to see things are not as rosy as they thought,” Tanabian said—and that led to the choice of Clearwire as a partner for WiMAX. The two companies plan to cooperate on services and branding under the Xohm brand name.
Clearwire’s upward mobility
For Clearwire, meanwhile, the announcement of the Sprint Nextel deal has catapulted it from an untried, small competitor into one that can play in the ranks of the top four wireless operators. It opens up the ability for the company to reach a vast potential customer base of 100 million people and to augment its coverage initially through use of Sprint Nextel’s cellular network.
Tanabian also noted that the company recently announced distribution agreements with satellite television providers DirecTV Group Inc. and EchoStar Communications Corp. that would enable it to fashion a triple-play bundle of services.
“They’re trying to diversify their business model,” Tanabian said. “So if for whatever reason the device ecosystem doesn’t develop as fast as they think it will, they still have other means of forging a business.
“Clearly, Clearwire was the winner from this deal—although Sprint won as well, by turning a foe into a friend and just getting rid of that headache. But Clearwire, it was just pure, sweet sugar for them.”
AT&T in Alaska
AT&T declined to speak about its plans for its holdings in the 2.3 GHz bands. However, the company did issue a statement on its strategy related to WiMAX, noting its deployment this summer in Alaska and apparently taking the path of using WiMAX to extend broadband coverage rather than push new technology.
“AT&T has been heavily involved in the development of emerging technologies like WiMAX and Wi-Fi mesh networks, which bring strong potential for extending and expanding customers’ ability to access broadband connections. The company has played a leading role in development of emerging WiMAX standards, and has launched 22 limited deployments and trials of WiMAX and other fixed wireless technologies to date, eight of which remain in operation as commercial offerings today,” said AT&T spokeswoman Jenny Parker.
Parker added that AT&T Alascom had announced its latest deployment of WiMAX in Juneau, Ala., in July and that it “plans to deploy WiMAX-based broadband in additional Alaska markets in 2008.”
“Outside of Alaska, AT&T will evaluate further opportunities to deploy WiMAX and other fixed wireless technologies based on customer needs and the results of its existing technical and commercial deployments,” Parker said.
Those opportunities could also include the bucket of 700 MHz spectrum AT&T Mobility recently acquired from Aloha Partners L.P. for $2.5 billion. The spectrum, which is near the 700 MHz spectrum the government is scheduled to begin auctioning early next year, gives the industry’s No. 1 player a deeper spectrum portfolio covering nearly 200 million potential customers across the country.
The carrier said it has yet to decide how to use the spectrum, but with its enviable propagation characteristics, you can bet it will be for an important service.
“We’ll use the spectrum either for broadcast mobile or two-way voice and data services, but not both,” AT&T Mobility spokesman Michael Coe recently said. “We’ll make that determination based on what’s best for our customers.”
Big players have big plans for WiMAX
By Kelly Hill
Consider WiMAX a bit schizophrenic. The technology is taking two divergent paths as different countries and different companies explore how best to put it to use in their respective markets.
Dr. Mohammad Shakouri, board member and VP of marketing for the WiMAX Forum, has described the technology as serving “the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor” as companies lay out strategies that include either a high-end focused, consumer electronics play or a wireless broadband provider for the masses and in rural areas.
Both strategies are playing out in the U.S. market, but the space is dominated by three major players with large spectrum holdings in the 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz bands: AT&T Inc., Clearwire Corp. and Sprint Nextel Corp.
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire have been overshadowing the conversation of late, first appearing to operate on separate tracks and then announcing a partnership that is supposed to speed the deployment of mobile WiMAX as well as ease the burden of network costs for each respective company. The corporations have outlined a plan in which Sprint Nextel will build out 70% of the initial 100 million potential customers to be covered, while Clearwire builds out 30%. Sprint Nextel has outlined plans for a wide variety of consumer electronic devices to make use of the new network and also hinted at allowing wholesale agreements that could boost WiMAX traffic.
Sprint Nextel’s bet
Sprint Nextel has been outpaced in the traditional wireless market by Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility in subscriber growth and customer metrics, and it is betting that changing the nature of the competition will give it an advantage.
“It’s very difficult to change the balance of the subscriber bases right now in the U.S.,” said Moe Tanabian, analyst with IBB. Given Sprint Nextel’s customer and financial issues, he said, “they have to do something drastic. … They’re relying on this assumption—it may turn out to be true—that we’re moving from voice-centric wireless consumption to a data-centric wireless consumption” during the next three to five years.
Tanabian noted that Sprint Nextel first began its WiMAX push by aggressively talking up the technology and laying out ambitious plans—and that it has since toned down its approach a bit.
“They started to see things are not as rosy as they thought,” Tanabian said—and that led to the choice of Clearwire as a partner for WiMAX. The two companies plan to cooperate on services and branding under the Xohm brand name.
Clearwire’s upward mobility
For Clearwire, meanwhile, the announcement of the Sprint Nextel deal has catapulted it from an untried, small competitor into one that can play in the ranks of the top four wireless operators. It opens up the ability for the company to reach a vast potential customer base of 100 million people and to augment its coverage initially through use of Sprint Nextel’s cellular network.
Tanabian also noted that the company recently announced distribution agreements with satellite television providers DirecTV Group Inc. and EchoStar Communications Corp. that would enable it to fashion a triple-play bundle of services.
“They’re trying to diversify their business model,” Tanabian said. “So if for whatever reason the device ecosystem doesn’t develop as fast as they think it will, they still have other means of forging a business.
“Clearly, Clearwire was the winner from this deal—although Sprint won as well, by turning a foe into a friend and just getting rid of that headache. But Clearwire, it was just pure, sweet sugar for them.”
AT&T in Alaska
AT&T declined to speak about its plans for its holdings in the 2.3 GHz bands. However, the company did issue a statement on its strategy related to WiMAX, noting its deployment this summer in Alaska and apparently taking the path of using WiMAX to extend broadband coverage rather than push new technology.
“AT&T has been heavily involved in the development of emerging technologies like WiMAX and Wi-Fi mesh networks, which bring strong potential for extending and expanding customers’ ability to access broadband connections. The company has played a leading role in development of emerging WiMAX standards, and has launched 22 limited deployments and trials of WiMAX and other fixed wireless technologies to date, eight of which remain in operation as commercial offerings today,” said AT&T spokeswoman Jenny Parker.
Parker added that AT&T Alascom had announced its latest deployment of WiMAX in Juneau, Ala., in July and that it “plans to deploy WiMAX-based broadband in additional Alaska markets in 2008.”
“Outside of Alaska, AT&T will evaluate further opportunities to deploy WiMAX and other fixed wireless technologies based on customer needs and the results of its existing technical and commercial deployments,” Parker said.
Those opportunities could also include the bucket of 700 MHz spectrum AT&T Mobility recently acquired from Aloha Partners L.P. for $2.5 billion. The spectrum, which is near the 700 MHz spectrum the government is scheduled to begin auctioning early next year, gives the industry’s No. 1 player a deeper spectrum portfolio covering nearly 200 million potential customers across the country.
The carrier said it has yet to decide how to use the spectrum, but with its enviable propagation characteristics, you can bet it will be for an important service.
“We’ll use the spectrum either for broadcast mobile or two-way voice and data services, but not both,” AT&T Mobility spokesman Michael Coe recently said. “We’ll make that determination based on what’s best for our customers.”
Consider WiMAX a bit schizophrenic. The technology is taking two divergent paths as different countries and different companies explore how best to put it to use in their respective markets.
Dr. Mohammad Shakouri, board member and VP of marketing for the WiMAX Forum, has described the technology as serving “the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor” as companies lay out strategies that include either a high-end focused, consumer electronics play or a wireless broadband provider for the masses and in rural areas.
Both strategies are playing out in the U.S. market, but the space is dominated by three major players with large spectrum holdings in the 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz bands: AT&T Inc., Clearwire Corp. and Sprint Nextel Corp.
Sprint Nextel and Clearwire have been overshadowing the conversation of late, first appearing to operate on separate tracks and then announcing a partnership that is supposed to speed the deployment of mobile WiMAX as well as ease the burden of network costs for each respective company. The corporations have outlined a plan in which Sprint Nextel will build out 70% of the initial 100 million potential customers to be covered, while Clearwire builds out 30%. Sprint Nextel has outlined plans for a wide variety of consumer electronic devices to make use of the new network and also hinted at allowing wholesale agreements that could boost WiMAX traffic.
Sprint Nextel’s bet
Sprint Nextel has been outpaced in the traditional wireless market by Verizon Wireless and AT&T Mobility in subscriber growth and customer metrics, and it is betting that changing the nature of the competition will give it an advantage.
“It’s very difficult to change the balance of the subscriber bases right now in the U.S.,” said Moe Tanabian, analyst with IBB. Given Sprint Nextel’s customer and financial issues, he said, “they have to do something drastic. … They’re relying on this assumption—it may turn out to be true—that we’re moving from voice-centric wireless consumption to a data-centric wireless consumption” during the next three to five years.
Tanabian noted that Sprint Nextel first began its WiMAX push by aggressively talking up the technology and laying out ambitious plans—and that it has since toned down its approach a bit.
“They started to see things are not as rosy as they thought,” Tanabian said—and that led to the choice of Clearwire as a partner for WiMAX. The two companies plan to cooperate on services and branding under the Xohm brand name.
Clearwire’s upward mobility
For Clearwire, meanwhile, the announcement of the Sprint Nextel deal has catapulted it from an untried, small competitor into one that can play in the ranks of the top four wireless operators. It opens up the ability for the company to reach a vast potential customer base of 100 million people and to augment its coverage initially through use of Sprint Nextel’s cellular network.
Tanabian also noted that the company recently announced distribution agreements with satellite television providers DirecTV Group Inc. and EchoStar Communications Corp. that would enable it to fashion a triple-play bundle of services.
“They’re trying to diversify their business model,” Tanabian said. “So if for whatever reason the device ecosystem doesn’t develop as fast as they think it will, they still have other means of forging a business.
“Clearly, Clearwire was the winner from this deal—although Sprint won as well, by turning a foe into a friend and just getting rid of that headache. But Clearwire, it was just pure, sweet sugar for them.”
AT&T in Alaska
AT&T declined to speak about its plans for its holdings in the 2.3 GHz bands. However, the company did issue a statement on its strategy related to WiMAX, noting its deployment this summer in Alaska and apparently taking the path of using WiMAX to extend broadband coverage rather than push new technology.
“AT&T has been heavily involved in the development of emerging technologies like WiMAX and Wi-Fi mesh networks, which bring strong potential for extending and expanding customers’ ability to access broadband connections. The company has played a leading role in development of emerging WiMAX standards, and has launched 22 limited deployments and trials of WiMAX and other fixed wireless technologies to date, eight of which remain in operation as commercial offerings today,” said AT&T spokeswoman Jenny Parker.
Parker added that AT&T Alascom had announced its latest deployment of WiMAX in Juneau, Ala., in July and that it “plans to deploy WiMAX-based broadband in additional Alaska markets in 2008.”
“Outside of Alaska, AT&T will evaluate further opportunities to deploy WiMAX and other fixed wireless technologies based on customer needs and the results of its existing technical and commercial deployments,” Parker said.
Those opportunities could also include the bucket of 700 MHz spectrum AT&T Mobility recently acquired from Aloha Partners L.P. for $2.5 billion. The spectrum, which is near the 700 MHz spectrum the government is scheduled to begin auctioning early next year, gives the industry’s No. 1 player a deeper spectrum portfolio covering nearly 200 million potential customers across the country.
The carrier said it has yet to decide how to use the spectrum, but with its enviable propagation characteristics, you can bet it will be for an important service.
“We’ll use the spectrum either for broadcast mobile or two-way voice and data services, but not both,” AT&T Mobility spokesman Michael Coe recently said. “We’ll make that determination based on what’s best for our customers.”
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Ready to Pull the Plug?
The advantages of a local area network (LAN) are obvious: Users can share software applications and data—in short, they can stay in touch. Equally obvious are its disadvantages: Each computer—even an otherwise portable laptop—must be tethered by cable to a port in the wall. Unplug and you’re offline and out of touch.
THE SPEED ISSUE
In the past, speed was not wireless’ strong suit, so potential users will want to know: Is a WLAN fast enough for our needs? A typical wired LAN transmits data at between 10 and 100 megabits per second (Mbps). The old wireless LANs (based on the 802.11 technical standard for wireless transmission) crept along at no more than 2 Mbps, which is why most users rejected WLANs unless they had no other choice. Now a new standard (802.11b) is able to move data at more than an order of magnitude faster—a speed that makes it nearly as fast as the lower end of the standard LAN transmission rate, and thus a practical choice for most business environments.
Compared with LAN hardware, WLAN equipment is relatively expensive (we’ll break down costs later in this article). However, when you factor in WLANs’ many savings—which we’ll also outline—the entire setup works out to be less expensive. Here’s why: The biggest single expense of a traditional LAN is the cost of installing it. Wires or cables have to be snaked under floors and through ceilings and walls, and ports must be installed for each computer hook-up. When an office is reconfigured, new cable usually has to be added and new ports installed so users can plug in. Those costs typically amount to several times the cost of the LAN equipment itself.
With a wireless system, however, you avoid all those structural installation costs because there’s no need to run wires or cable to each port—transmission is through the air. Since floors, ceilings and walls are transparent to radio waves, the signals go right through them. And since WLAN software is mostly plug-and-play capable, much of it loads onto the computer network automatically, requiring little customization.
In addition, because WLANs don’t need structural installation, moving the computer setup to a new office space is as simple as packing up the equipment, then unpacking it in the new location and plugging it into the electric wall socket. No walls or floors to open up, no cables, wires or ports to install. Even upgrades or office expansions are relatively easy because there is no need to replace or move anything structurally.
From a productivity point of view, WLANs are especially attractive. If the computer users in the office all work on laptops—recommended in a wireless office—they can stay connected no matter where in the area they tote their computers (or PDAs or handhelds). All the computers need are wireless network interface cards (NICs). That gives them full access to the files on the network, printers and the Internet. A WLAN with sufficient, properly positioned access points can provide wireless connectivity over an entire building or even over an office complex.
WORKING TOGETHER
When used in an audit or consulting engagement, WLANs really shine. For example, the auditors can take their laptops with them and
Share disk storage on the senior auditor’s laptop, making many hard-copy workpapers unnecessary.
Access special application software designed for networks or collaborative workgroup projects, making the engagement more efficient.
Link to a client’s system more easily, enabling the use of client resources, including disk access for file downloads and fast Internet access.
When used in conferences, meetings and training programs, a wireless system makes it easier to display multimedia presentations, technical documents, training exercises and other materials directly on the participants’ computers. A wireless setup could replace expensive multimedia projectors, which cost a minimum of about $4,000 each.
The bottom line: The cost of installing a WLAN varies considerably. Much depends on the organization’s current computer equipment, the wireless hardware selected, the vendor, the physical proximity of the computers, the number of staff members who access the system and whether and how much professional assistance is needed to get the system up and running.
Proper positioning of access points is critical to achieve optimal communications; fortunately, several vendors bundle system survey tools to determine the best positions with their equipment. In general, equipment designed for enterprise-wide wireless networking is more expensive because the equipment and bundled software are more sophisticated than that designed for small office use. However, prices have been dropping recently.
CALCULATE COSTS
The following provides a minimum and maximum cost estimate of the equipment that is needed for a WLAN in a typical office:
Generally, every staff person who must move about the office with his or her computer should have a laptop that can accommodate a wireless NIC. A good quality laptop costs between $2,000 and $3,500.
Every laptop needs a wireless NIC, which costs between $100 and $300.
Every desktop to be connected to the WLAN will require adapters (a PCI or ISA) and a wireless NIC, which costs between $160 and $400. At least one desktop unit should act as a file and print server.
Wireless LAN signals have a transmission range of 80 to 1,500 feet, depending on the type of equipment, the data exchange rate and the obstacles that the signals must pass through. Access points also vary by the maximum number of simultaneous users, ranging from 15 to 60 users per access point depending on the type of equipment.
For optimal positioning of access points, it’s probably wise to engage a consultant to conduct signal testing. In general, you’ll probably need an access point for every 2,000 square feet of floor space. Access points cost between $200 and $1,500.
You should also add between $200 and $1,000 for a firewall or cable/DSL router.
These estimates don’t include training staff members, obtaining professional assistance in installation, special-purpose network software to increase staff productivity, fees charged by the Internet provider, network administration and maintenance.
Although security problems exist with any type of network, WLANs are slightly more risky than traditional LANs. The new 802.11b standard includes built-in security, providing some defense against unauthorized interception and access; however, there still are weaknesses. To upgrade security, some developers have implemented proprietary solutions; unfortunately, these features may make it impossible to interchange equipment from different manufacturers, limiting your LAN design options. But, as a practical matter, most users probably should not worry about security unless they feel that their size or type of business make them high-risk targets.
Should you consider unplugging and going to a WLAN? That depends on many factors. If you must upgrade your conventional wired LAN, and that work involves new wires or cables, you may want to unplug because in the long run it will probably save you money.
One thing you can be assured of is that wireless technology is the wave of the future—or at least the immediate future. While the hardware today is a bit pricey, costs are falling and will continue to do so for some time to come, and speed and reliability will improve apace. Since WLAN installations do not require structural work, it may be cheaper to unplug now and upgrade over time as WLAN hardware improves rather than make a huge investment in new cables and wires.
THE SPEED ISSUE
In the past, speed was not wireless’ strong suit, so potential users will want to know: Is a WLAN fast enough for our needs? A typical wired LAN transmits data at between 10 and 100 megabits per second (Mbps). The old wireless LANs (based on the 802.11 technical standard for wireless transmission) crept along at no more than 2 Mbps, which is why most users rejected WLANs unless they had no other choice. Now a new standard (802.11b) is able to move data at more than an order of magnitude faster—a speed that makes it nearly as fast as the lower end of the standard LAN transmission rate, and thus a practical choice for most business environments.
Compared with LAN hardware, WLAN equipment is relatively expensive (we’ll break down costs later in this article). However, when you factor in WLANs’ many savings—which we’ll also outline—the entire setup works out to be less expensive. Here’s why: The biggest single expense of a traditional LAN is the cost of installing it. Wires or cables have to be snaked under floors and through ceilings and walls, and ports must be installed for each computer hook-up. When an office is reconfigured, new cable usually has to be added and new ports installed so users can plug in. Those costs typically amount to several times the cost of the LAN equipment itself.
With a wireless system, however, you avoid all those structural installation costs because there’s no need to run wires or cable to each port—transmission is through the air. Since floors, ceilings and walls are transparent to radio waves, the signals go right through them. And since WLAN software is mostly plug-and-play capable, much of it loads onto the computer network automatically, requiring little customization.
In addition, because WLANs don’t need structural installation, moving the computer setup to a new office space is as simple as packing up the equipment, then unpacking it in the new location and plugging it into the electric wall socket. No walls or floors to open up, no cables, wires or ports to install. Even upgrades or office expansions are relatively easy because there is no need to replace or move anything structurally.
From a productivity point of view, WLANs are especially attractive. If the computer users in the office all work on laptops—recommended in a wireless office—they can stay connected no matter where in the area they tote their computers (or PDAs or handhelds). All the computers need are wireless network interface cards (NICs). That gives them full access to the files on the network, printers and the Internet. A WLAN with sufficient, properly positioned access points can provide wireless connectivity over an entire building or even over an office complex.
WORKING TOGETHER
When used in an audit or consulting engagement, WLANs really shine. For example, the auditors can take their laptops with them and
Share disk storage on the senior auditor’s laptop, making many hard-copy workpapers unnecessary.
Access special application software designed for networks or collaborative workgroup projects, making the engagement more efficient.
Link to a client’s system more easily, enabling the use of client resources, including disk access for file downloads and fast Internet access.
When used in conferences, meetings and training programs, a wireless system makes it easier to display multimedia presentations, technical documents, training exercises and other materials directly on the participants’ computers. A wireless setup could replace expensive multimedia projectors, which cost a minimum of about $4,000 each.
The bottom line: The cost of installing a WLAN varies considerably. Much depends on the organization’s current computer equipment, the wireless hardware selected, the vendor, the physical proximity of the computers, the number of staff members who access the system and whether and how much professional assistance is needed to get the system up and running.
Proper positioning of access points is critical to achieve optimal communications; fortunately, several vendors bundle system survey tools to determine the best positions with their equipment. In general, equipment designed for enterprise-wide wireless networking is more expensive because the equipment and bundled software are more sophisticated than that designed for small office use. However, prices have been dropping recently.
CALCULATE COSTS
The following provides a minimum and maximum cost estimate of the equipment that is needed for a WLAN in a typical office:
Generally, every staff person who must move about the office with his or her computer should have a laptop that can accommodate a wireless NIC. A good quality laptop costs between $2,000 and $3,500.
Every laptop needs a wireless NIC, which costs between $100 and $300.
Every desktop to be connected to the WLAN will require adapters (a PCI or ISA) and a wireless NIC, which costs between $160 and $400. At least one desktop unit should act as a file and print server.
Wireless LAN signals have a transmission range of 80 to 1,500 feet, depending on the type of equipment, the data exchange rate and the obstacles that the signals must pass through. Access points also vary by the maximum number of simultaneous users, ranging from 15 to 60 users per access point depending on the type of equipment.
For optimal positioning of access points, it’s probably wise to engage a consultant to conduct signal testing. In general, you’ll probably need an access point for every 2,000 square feet of floor space. Access points cost between $200 and $1,500.
You should also add between $200 and $1,000 for a firewall or cable/DSL router.
These estimates don’t include training staff members, obtaining professional assistance in installation, special-purpose network software to increase staff productivity, fees charged by the Internet provider, network administration and maintenance.
Although security problems exist with any type of network, WLANs are slightly more risky than traditional LANs. The new 802.11b standard includes built-in security, providing some defense against unauthorized interception and access; however, there still are weaknesses. To upgrade security, some developers have implemented proprietary solutions; unfortunately, these features may make it impossible to interchange equipment from different manufacturers, limiting your LAN design options. But, as a practical matter, most users probably should not worry about security unless they feel that their size or type of business make them high-risk targets.
Should you consider unplugging and going to a WLAN? That depends on many factors. If you must upgrade your conventional wired LAN, and that work involves new wires or cables, you may want to unplug because in the long run it will probably save you money.
One thing you can be assured of is that wireless technology is the wave of the future—or at least the immediate future. While the hardware today is a bit pricey, costs are falling and will continue to do so for some time to come, and speed and reliability will improve apace. Since WLAN installations do not require structural work, it may be cheaper to unplug now and upgrade over time as WLAN hardware improves rather than make a huge investment in new cables and wires.
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