Eric Goedtel: Future of Wireless Technologies

Future of Wireless Technologies

With the standardization of wireless internet coming of age with the .11g protocols, wireless internetworking has blossomed intensely. In-Stat's report of hotspot growth historical showed that the 43,850 Access Points worldwide exploded to over 200,000 registered APs in 2004. The desire and need for wireless internet access has grown exponentially almost overnight. The most common deployment locations include major hotels and cafes such as Starbucks that offer free wireless access to their customers.

It is this demand to be less constrained, less constricted, and less wired that will move forward the wireless industry.

The latest development in wireless internetworking, but which has not been fully exploited and developed is Bluetooth technology, and Personal Area. Networking (PANs). Bluetooth-style hardware is a super-short range (10 feet) wireless connection that can be made between a computer and any Bluetooth enabled consumer equipment, including cellular phones, Personal Digital Assitants, headsets, speakers, computer peripherals and GPS Navigational systems. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group defines its objective to "develop, publish and promote the preferred short-range wireless specification for connecting mobile products, and to administer a qualification program that fosters interoperability for a positive user experience."

The IEEE has already developed a standard for Bluetooth-style device networking: 802.15. The Bluetooth SIG and Wi-Fi Alliance are nearly identically, having similar corporate memberships and influence with the IEEE and legislatures. The only difference is in function. While 802.11 Standards apply to Wireless Internet, 802.15 applies to Wireless Devices. No matter what special interest group or alliance your purchased product belongs to, it most likely appeals to the most common of human desires, freedom. It allows us, as society to access things quicker, more efficiently, more reliably, and more flexibly.

Wireless technology is quickly becoming popular in less-developed nations that have not established the infrastructure comparable to the United States or Europe. The majority of wireless development, particularly involving Wireless Access Points, has taken place in East Asia, where their telecommunications infrastructure cannot even compare to the United States.

No matter the reason, wireless networking is here to stay. People love the freedom, flexibility, cost and ease of wireless networking. Wireless may not ever replace the infrastructure here in the United States, but its ease of deployment is enabling countries less developed than ours to communicate in the world stage and participate in the world market efficiently and easily.