The most common devices used on WLANs are workstations, which include both
laptop and desktop models. Photos of laptop and desktop computers appear in
Figures
and
. Many
corporations are supplying their workforce with laptops, instead of desktop
models. While in the office, the laptop is typically connected to a docking
station with a large display monitor, full size keyboard, and a mouse, for
improved ergonomic use. The laptop is easily transported for business or
personal use, at home or on the road. This has eliminated the need for two
systems for each employee and the need to constantly transfer files between two
PCs. Laptops and docking stations eliminate concerns about leaving a needed
file on the desktop, while away from the office. Furthermore, corporations are
able to cut down on expenditures associated with purchasing and maintaining two
devices for each employee.
Laptop computers and notebook computers are
becoming increasingly popular, as are palm top computers, personal digital
assistants (PDAs), and other small computing devices. The main difference
between desktops and laptops is that components in a laptop are smaller.
Instead of expansion slots, there are PCMCIA slots, where NICs, wireless NICs,
modems, hard drives and other useful devices, can be inserted. The card is
usually the size of a thick credit card. It is inserted into a PCMCIA slot
along the perimeter. The use of wireless NICs eliminates the need for
cumbersome adapters, connectors, and cables.
A result of user mobility
is an increase in productivity. For example, meetings and conferences have
become less challenging. Access to resources was typically limited or required
valuable time to prepare, such as copying all needed files to the laptop before
the meeting. With WLAN-enabled laptops, users can simply pick up and go, with
all of their resources available. Furthermore, users are connected to corporate
resources while in the meeting, which means that instant messaging, email,
printing, file, and Internet access are all easily accessible.
If
desktops are currently in use, they can easily be converted from wired to
wireless systems, by changing the NIC and deploying access points. Wireless
NICs are also available as PCI adapters. This may seem a step backward, if
10/100 Ethernet is already installed. However, when the next office
reorganization takes place, costly rewiring will not be required. As long as
applications do not require bandwidth greater than 54 Mbps, WLANs are a viable
option.
One great advantage of using the 802.11 standard is that many
laptops are now shipped with compatible wireless NICs pre-installed. Without
any modification, these devices can interoperate with any Aironet product as
well as with other IEEE compliant devices. The IEEE 802.11b standard is covered
in detail in Module 2.
Product testing in different hardware and
software configurations now includes WLAN devices, such as NICs, software
clients, and access points (APs). It is important that this phase be completed
to ensure that the network meets business requirements Even with the great
advantages of WLANs, they may not be viable in some situations.