How often do you see someone sitting in an airport lounge or coffee shop working on a laptop computer? Sure they could be playing solitaire, but the odds are increasing that they are corresponding via e-mail, sending a report back to the home office, or downloading a presentation for their next stop and staying one step ahead of their competition. Know anyone who brags that they can check e-mail, weather, news or sports on their laptop from anywhere in the house or even out on their deck? How often does the lack of an internet connected computer restrict the way you present, discuss, or demonstrate during a meeting, or exchange between colleagues? Wish you could instantly provide internet access for the new employee, the conference room, or guest in the lobby?

Those who have tried Wireless Fidelity or Wi-Fi say they will never give it up. Those who haven't tried it are missing what the Wi-Fi alliance simply describes as Freedom.

OK, so what is it, how much does it cost, how is it installed and what problems are there?

The other drawback is more of a quiet menace, generally more serious, and usually happens without the network owner's knowledge. Typically, wireless network products are shipped with any imbedded security features turned off in order to make setup a snap. There are a few more steps required to add network security. Without security measures active, your network is accessible by anyone with a Wi-Fi capable device and within range (typically up to a couple hundred feet). So what? Good question; maybe no big deal for the present time but the more users on your network, the less bandwidth there is for each user, and the sharing of your single internet access line (say 512Kbps) can cause noticeable slowing of downloads and certain applications. Higher speed internet access service can help if you are networking simultaneous users who use the internet.

A more critical issue is that of file sharing. If any of your computers are set to allow access for file sharing, or say sharing a printer or other peripheral device, your "guest" has the same access to these files and devices. This is an obvious problem and one that you need to be aware of. There are easy fixes. Read the documentation that comes with your equipment, and ask questions before you purchase. Tell the sales person how you plan to use this new freedom and ask for their suggestions as to how you can operate securely and reliably.

Then cut the cords and enjoy the freedom. You are bound to increase productivity, reduce fatigue, and get more done!
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