Advantages of Wi-Fi Networks

Wireless networks are ideal for buildings where cabling is not possible or is too expensive to install. They can provide network access in outdoor areas and are particularly suitable for historic or older buildings where it is often difficult or impossible to run cables. It is also often offered in public areas such as hotels, cafes, transportation hubs and service areas as a way of both attracting and prolonging the stay of visitors. Wireless networks are quick and easy to install making them ideal for short-lived network installations such as exhibition areas or temporary work areas. They can be used to extend wired LAN access everywhere and can now give higher data rates equivalent to some wired networks.

The Wi-Fi certification standards developed and maintained by the Wi-Fi Alliance mean that interoperability is virtually guaranteed between different vendor´s equipment including PC adapters, mobile phones, access points and routers. Concerns about the original WEP security have been fully addressed with the introduction of WPA2 encryption which is required for IEEE 802.11n draft v2.0 certification making it virtually impossible to crack the code.

The introduction of IEEE 802.11n networks using Multiple Aerial (MIMO) means that they can now offer higher data rates and better coverage to reach places that required extra access points or high gain antennas when using IEEE 802.11g technologies.

Many SMC products are built on chipsets from Ubicom® which include Intelligent Stream Handling technology to prioritise packet forwarding and makes the products suitable for even the most demanding voice or video applications.