Wi-Fi or short for "wireless fidelity" is the term for a high-frequency wireless
local area network (WLAN). Wi-Fi technology is gaining acceptance as an
alternative to a wired LAN. The 802.11b Wi-Fi technology operates in the 2.4 GHz
range offering data speeds up to 11 megabits per second. Modulation used in
802.11 has historically been phase-shift keying (PSK). The modulation method
selected for 802.11b is known as complementary code keying or CCK, which makes
possible high data speed and is less susceptible to
multipath-propagation interference.
According to a recent IDC study, the overall WLAN market is projected to grow from 8.1 million units in
year 2001 to over 36 million units by the year 2006.
Forecast for wireless connectivity regular users in 2002 is expected to be
approximately 2 million and predicted to grow to 20 million by 2006 in the USA
alone. Shipment of wireless enabled laptop computers is also expected to grow to
15+ million in 2005, compared to 2.9 million in 2001.
Wi fi or wireless fidelity is a technology boon. The Wi-Fi Alliance provides a list of hot spots
through its Wi-Fi Zone program. |
