The table categorizes wireless LAN applications by their current penetration within their application segments. Factory workers with bar code scanners, waitresses or rental car customer representatives with computing tablets are leveraging the benefits of mainstream wireless LAN technology. Another accepted application of wireless LANs is to establish network connectivity when wired networking proves costly or impossible, such as in historic buildings or on space shuttle flights. One of the fastest growing applications for wireless LANs is in the health care industry. Doctors and nurses are making increasing use of wireless LANs to have access to complete patient information at their fingertips.
Education is another high growth segment for wireless LANs.
Students at universities are finding that wireless LANs provide them with Internet and Intranet access across the campus. Access to the network is not the only reason for industry growth. Wireless LANs also make network configuration more convenient. A wireless branch-office LAN is more flexible than a wired LAN, and is easier to set up. A network manager can completely configure, deploy and redeploy a wireless LAN without ever going on site.