Deploying wireless LANs (2001)

From Book:
Preface A few years ago a popular TV commercial closed with saying the future is now. In wonderful world of data communications future has arrived in form of wireless LANs. Once considered a niche technology that was expensive and limited with respect to its data transfer capability, wireless LANs are now reaching into every corner of our lives. If we travel we will more than likely encounter public areas in airports and hotel lobbies equipped with access points that enable us to surf Web, check e-mail, and perform other activities using our laptop, notebook, or PDA equipped with a compatible wireless LAN adapter. If we check into a hotel, visit a sporting event, or register for a college course, we may also encounter persons using computers with a wireless LAN capability to access data from servers and main-frames by first connecting to an access point on a wired LAN behind scenes. 
The ability to transmit and receive data without having a wired connection frees us to locate computing equipment nearer to area where it is useful. If you visit a modern big city hotel lobby you may encounter a reception area in middle of an atrium. Behind counter a hotel employee has a computer connected to hotel LAN. However, instead of a wire connection that might require lobby floor to be dug up, connection occurs via a wireless LAN. Not only is connection less expensive but time required to place computer into operation behind reception area is probably a small fraction of time that would be required to establish a wired connection. 
In a university environment it becomes possible to set up regis- tration stations in a gymnasium very rapidly without running cables and having to temporarily tape them to floor to allevi- ate potential of students, administrators, and faculty tripping. Similarly, libraries can add and remove workstation connections to Internet in tandem with special events they may hold. 
In a home or apartment environment it is becoming common fo r a digital subscriber line (DSL)or cable modem to be installed to obtain a high-speed broadband access capability. One key nontechnical problem associated with use of DSL and cable modems is fact that your existing telephone and cable outlets may not be located in close proximity to your computer. Another related problem is fact that many homes and apartments have multiple computers. Rather than rewire twisted pair or coaxial cable you can save time, avoid drilling holes in walls, and possibly save some money by installing a wireless LAN. 
To day a wireless LAN provides us with ability to communicate from locations that were previously difficult or impossible to support via wires. In addition, they provide a significant degree of flexibility and allow us to respond to changing requirements in a timely manner. Thus, when you think about networking, you should also think about wireless networking. When you do you will realize that future is now!
As a professional author I value reader feedback. Although I have attempted to provide practical information throughout this book, I am human. To err is to be human, so if I omitted an area you feel I should have covered, spent too much time on a topic or assumed reader knowledge where a fuller explanation was warranted, please contact me. You can reach me either through my publisher, whose address is included on jacket of this book or you can contact me via e-mail at gil-held@yahoo.com. 
Gilbert Held
Macon, GA