However, the wires can get in the way. Businesses in buildings with concrete walls or steel construction know how difficult it can be to wire an office. Some users also find being physically connected to the network limits their ability to work in areas that are not connected. IT managers, especially those in manufacturing companies seek a type of connection that allows users to carry a portable and move from the business offices and the shop floor without losing network connections. IT managers also want to find a way to lower the cost of rewiring each time the company expands or users move offices.
Wireless technology offers a solution.
A survey by Sage Research of 150 companies reportedly found that interest is growing in wireless LANs. Only 19 percent of the companies currently use wireless technology to enhance their LANs, but Sage Research learned that 38 percent of the companies planned to implement some level of wireless capability. Still the research showed that less than 10 percent of the network nodes used wireless, and wireless technology complements traditional wired LANs. The Invisible Technology Wireless LANs generally use infrared light or radio signals to carry data between a workstation and a receiver. The receiver links directly to the network and handles the traffic.