Essential Guide to Wireless Communications Applications, The

Wireless LANs

Anyone who has tried to connect even two computers knows cables can be a major problem. Many LANs have such a complex spaghetti structure that some companies need to employ full-time technicians simply to look after cabling. Tracking down faults or loose connectors is so difficult that a billion-dollar industry has sprung up to sell network management tools, databases combined with reporting software that try to give people a better indication of where to look for faults.

For network managers who want an easier life, wireless LANs have always been a tempting alternative. They are far more flexible than wire-based systems, and potentially cheaper-as well as eliminating cable, a wireless system can also eliminate hubs, the machines ...