Wireless – LAN and WAN

For users who want to access data and information wirelessly, the two main options available are a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless WAN (Wide Area Network). These technologies are similar in that they both allow users to access data on their PCs or PDAs without using cables.

A wireless local area network (Wireless LAN) is a computer network that allows a user to connect wirelessly within a building or campus. A laptop or PDA equipped with a wireless LAN card lets a user move around a building with their computer and stay connected to their network. Wireless LANs are used in office buildings, on college campuses, or in houses, allowing multiple users shared access to one Internet connection.

A wireless wide area network (Wireless WAN), covers a much more extensive area than wireless LANs. While wireless LANs are used to allow network users to be mobile within a small fixed area, wireless WANs are used to give connectivity over a much broader coverage area, for mobile users such as business travellers or field service technicians. Wireless WANs allow users to have access to the Internet, e-mail, and corporate applications and information even while away from their office. Wireless WANs can use cellular networks or other wireless technologies for data transmission.

Although wireless LANs and wireless WANs may appear to be competing technologies, they are far more useful as complementary technologies. Used together, a user would have the best of both technologies, offering high-speed wireless access in a campus area, and access to all their data and applications from anywhere with wireless WAN network coverage.

Advantages of wireless:

• Share and access real-time information/files anywhere
• Easy to add stations as there are no cables required
• Signals can be sent through doors and walls so the stations can be mobile
• Network can be accessed from many different devices, (e.g laptops, cell phones, PDA’s)
• Convenience as you can use this network interface at home, the office or anywhere.
• Cost effective since there is no need to spend money on cables and other equipment.

RADWIN

RADWIN delivers wireless backhaul and broadband access solutions in the sub-6GHz space— empowering carriers and service providers with the ability to connect subscribers everywhere.  RADWIN enables carriers and telcos to reach out to rural subscribers and offer enhanced service for urban areas and private networks.

• Backhaul solutions - Regardless of the type of network, RADWIN's wireless broadband Point-to-Point solutions provide future proof backhaul that is simpler, more affordable, and easier to install than existing wireless alternative. RADWIN's cellular backhaul solutions enable cellular operators to reach out to rural subscribers as well as deliver enhanced service in urban areas.
• Broadband access - RADWIN's diverse portfolio of Point-to-Point and Multiple-Point-to-Point wireless solutions empower service providers so they can deliver high speed end-to-end broadband access services to their customers, wherever they are.
• Private networks - With RADWIN's Point-to-Point and Multiple-Point-to-Point solutions you can now own and control your network: from small enterprises to large corporations, government and municipalities, utility companies, educational and financial institutions.
• Security and surveillance – With RADWIN's Point-to-Point and Multiple-Point-to-Point solutions you can now meet all the vital requirements for video surveillance and offer rapid installation of cameras and security devices at any location

Cisco

 Cisco's wireless network solutions integrate with the power of the wired network to deliver a truly borderless mobility experience. Expanding your network with Cisco Wireless is an easy way to connect staff, whether they're onsite or remote, to your business operations.

• Connectivity: Now employees can securely access network resources from places that were previously out of range. The reach and signal quality of Cisco Wireless Access Points go beyond that of a standard wireless connection so you can provide stronger connections from further away.
• Security: Standards and encryption protocols keep Cisco Wireless Access Points just as secure as a wired network.
• Performance: Cisco Small Business Wireless Access Points offer the fastest speeds possible with expanded range and coverage--a transparent extension of your wired network.
• Ease-of-use: Web-based configuration tools make it easy for you to install the router and set up your network devices. Getting your business online with your new Cisco device isn't a complex process at all.