[MIT] / wireless_soho

Wireless works where regular networks don’t.

A hard-wired network isn’t always practical – or cost-effective. Take the example of XYZ Taxes, an accounting firm that leases office space. To create a hard-wired network, they first need permission to run wires through walls and ceilings. Then they have to hire someone to do the wiring work while they try to run their business around the inconvenience and mess. And if they move, they’ll have to leave their wiring investment behind.

Meanwhile, ABC Builders decides to install an Intel wireless network. A Wireless Gateway is placed on a shelf, and Wireless PC Cards are installed in PCs in a matter of minutes, all without expensive cabling. Employees can work wherever it’s most convenient – in a shared office, the conference room, or even the lunchroom – without losing the network connection. Productivity starts to rise. And if ABC moves, the components are portable.

Back at XYZ Taxes, when employees are added they must wait for an expensive wired link to the network. At ABC Builders, each new hire gets a computer equipped with an Intel® Wireless PC Card – instantly linking them to the network. And although the new ABC employees don’t even have offices yet, they can start working right away, because the wireless system provides a network link anywhere in or around the building.

Of course, each new hire also needs Internet access and e-mail. At XYZ, every person gets an individual Internet account, and the service charges start piling up. But at ABC Builders, a Wireless Gateway allows up to 16 wireless users to simultaneously share a single Internet access account. Within months, the wireless network has saved enough on access charges to pay for itself. And if XYZ continues growing, it can install a small network server and continue to expand with Wireless Access Points, which support up to 64 users per Access Point.

Soon, both companies are adding branch offices. Again, XYZ calls in the wiring specialist, and waits for connections. ABC just installs Wireless Access Points and Gateways in the new offices, and lets people get to work.

Because ABC Builders is doing so well, the owner decides to take some time off. But she still wants to know what’s going on. A Wireless Gateway, linked to her home modem and wireless-equipped notebook, will make sure the owner has access to all networked resources back at the office, even while lounging by her pool.

Advantages of Intel® wireless products

Ease – Intel® wireless network products are designed for rapid installation. For example, the Wireless Gateway software setup takes less than a minute. Network management with the Wireless Access Point is just as simple.

Speed – A Wireless Ethernet Access Point network pushes data at speeds up to 11Mbps. This means rapid access to the Internet, printers, and other network-based resources. Very productive.

Security – Intel wireless products use powerful encryption to protect data in transit. Only approved users can access the network. The Wireless Gateway’s built-in firewall protects against intruders. With the Wireless Access Point, the network provides the security.

Flexibility – Adding more users is as easy as plugging in a few PC cards. Expanding coverage or bandwidth is just a matter of adding another Gateway or Access Point.

Cost-effectiveness – Wireless networking reduces the expense of running cables from desk to desk, and through walls and floors. And the wireless gateway lets multiple users simultaneously share a single Internet account, saving multiple monthly fees.

Compatibility – Intel wireless networking products are based on the IEEE 802.11b standard (certified products carry the Wi-Fi* emblem). This lets buyers mix-and-match with network components from other Wi-Fi vendors. And future standards-compliant products will operate with existing wireless equipment – helping to protect and extend the life of tech investments.

Handheld products based on wireless technology by Cisco Systems*.

1Dell’Oro Group, 2000.

2Maximum radio interface speed is 11Mbps; actual data throughput is determined by several factors, including speed of handheld or PC processor.

3For use with Handspring Visor* handhelds; all models. Other handhelds: use a Wireless LAN PC Card with computer manufacturer’s “PCMCIA sleeve.”

4For use only with Palm m500 or m505* handhelds.

Information in this document is provided in connection with Intel products. No license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any intellectual property rights is granted by this document. Except as provided in Intel’s Terms and Conditions of Sale for such products, Intel assumes no liability whatsoever, and Intel disclaims any express or implied warranty, relating to sale and/or use of Intel products including liability or warranties relating to fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability, or infringement of any patent, copyright or other intellectual property right. Intel products are not intended for use in medical, life saving, or life sustaining applications. Intel may make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time, without notice.

*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

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