WiFi Technology

Despite penetration in all markets, WIFI benefits still in infancy for many firms

Although tangible benefits to WIFI technologies have a stronghold in many consumer markets, the B2B space is still finding ways to utilize WIFI throughout enterprises. Vendors are deploying WIFI capabilities for asset tracking, workforce enablement, security, and other critical infrastructure uses. Firms can expect WIFI to be ubiquitous in all areas of business in the next 5-10 years.

In hot development now is the development of customized WIFI technologies to address discreet business challenges. Off-the-shelf may be good enough but not best case. Additionally, 4G deployment is fast approaching as the standard bearer for wireless.

Best-in-Class WIFI Technology Features:

• Customization to address hyper-specific business challenges
• Scalability to ensure optimized technology functionality regardless of system strain and usage
• Strategy addressing 4G deployment

Top Considerations before Buying WIFI Technologies:
 
Arguably the fastest growing market sector, WIFI technologies seem to improve overnight. It is crucial for firms to understand how and if their technology investment scales to address human capital needs, bandwidth, enterprise software changes, etc. Additionally important, is to understand the promises of 4G connectivity and if your vendor truly has a 4G offering or, if they are betting on client acquiescence in case of early deployment snafus.

Key Products:
 
1. Berkeley Varitronics Systems provides design and consulting services for the telecommunications industry. The company focuses on providing customized WIFI Technologies and solutions for a demanding market. Included in their service offerings are programming, DSP software, hardware production engineering and, light manufacturing. Their Yellowjacket-TABLET analyzes Wi-Fi using a tablet PC interface. Since the mid-1990s, Berkeley has been producing and deploying several testing technologies including TDMA, CDMA, Wi-Fi, WiMAX and many other applications and standards. The instruments feature spectrum analysis from calibrated receivers, packet demodulation, direction finding, site survey software packages and multipath analysis.

2. Proxim Wireless Corporation is a provider of end-to-end broadband wireless systems that deliver the quadruple play of voice, video, data and mobility. Their systems enable a variety of wireless applications including Point-to-Point wireless backhaul, security and surveillance, VoIP, last mile access, and enterprise LAN connectivity. ProximVision ES , a wireless network management solution, automates configuration processes for more efficient deployment of Proxim Wireless networks. Additionally, the product offers management from a single console.

3. Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a provider of wireless broadband access solutions for the mobile communications market. Novatel’s core business provides workforce enablement through WIFI technologies whose solutions enable a mobile workforce to increase productivity, and improve operational efficiencies. Solutions include 3G wireless PC cards, ExpressCards, USB modems, embedded modules, fixed and mobile terminal solutions and communication software to wireless network operators, distributors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and vertical markets worldwide. Our solutions provide mobile marketplace with secure high-speed access to corporate, public and personal information through the Internet and enterprise networks.

4. Multi-Tech deploys M2M (Machine-to-Machine) communications solutions. The firm’s carrier-approved external and embedded cellular and analog modems and Unified Communications products link data over cellular and analog networks worldwide. Innovation in product development is evident in more than 8- patents granted Multi-tech and 20+ million devices operating within their framework of products and services.

5. Tropos Networks focuses on wireless broadband networks enabling cities and utilities to own and control an IP foundation for deploying applications and services that drive more environmentally sound – greener – communities.  A single network can be used for one or many applications and scaled to increase performance and coverage as demanded. Tropos has more than 750 customers worldwide and channel and solution partners that provide products and services to help customers design, deploy and implement customized solutions.

Wi-Fi Technology
Definition: Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance that manufacturers may use to brand certified products that belong to a class of wireless local area network (WLAN) devices based on the IEEE 802.11 standards. When Wi-Fi enabled, a device such as a personal computer, video game console, mobile phone, etc., can connect to the Internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the Internet.