In the future as new wireless standards develop we will evaluate them for use in the NYCwireless network. The key advantage of wireless Ethernet is flexibility. Your PC does not have to be chained to a network jack. Wireless networks can generally be built for less cost than wired networks. Wireless ethernet also providers internet access coverage to areas that might not be able to receive wired internet access.
Range varies depending on many things.
Manufacturers usually state 100 to 300 feet range depending upon the environment. By adding higher gain external antennas and or amplifiers the range can be greatly extended. The limitations are the antennas, LOS, and the curvature of the earth. To put that into perspective, wired 10BaseT ethernet is a full 10 Mbps, and a 56K modem connection is .056 Mbps. Wireless Ethernet is insecure by default.