People can connect as many devices to the LANas they want, and they can plug in any of the popular firewalls and routers sold for cable or DSL modems. WLL has advantages over satellite broadband because of its lower transmission delay. Also, the services typically don't discriminate against certain applications, like Napster, for example. And WLL service is likely to improve as the technology matures. Breezecom and Western Multiplex, for example, are delivering next-generation radios with greater bandwidth and more capabilities to manage the connections, so that carriers can offer guaranteed levels of service.
Price is another matter.
As WLL proliferates, equipment prices should fall. Thus, some of the largest potential competitors in the WLL space are introducing service in areas already covered by one of the wired broadband flavors. Among U.S. business customers, WLL may not be the first choice for broadband connectivity because of the price premium. But if your only other choice is no broadband at all, WLL may look much more attractive. ZDNet and ZDNet logo are registered trademarks of ZD Inc. Content originally published in Ziff Davis Media publications is the copyrighted property of Ziff Davis Media.