Mobility

Mobility enables users to move physically while using an appliance, such as a handheld PC or data collector. Many jobs require workers to be mobile, such as inventory clerks, healthcare workers, policemen, and emergency care specialists. Of course, wireline networks require a physical tether between the user's workstation and the network's resources, which makes access to these resources impossible while roaming about the building or elsewhere. This freedom of movement results in significant return on investments due to gains in efficiency.

Mobile applications requiring wireless networking include those that depend on real-time access to data-usually stored in centralized databases. If your application requires mobile users to be aware immediately of changes made to data, or if information put into the system must immediately be available to others, then you have a definite need for wireless networking. For accurate and efficient price markdowns, for example, many retail stores use wireless networks to interconnect handheld bar code scanners and printers to databases having current price information. This enables the printing of the correct prices on the items, making both the customer and the business owner more satisfied.

Another example of the use of wireless networking is in auto racing. Formula 1 and Indy racecars have sophisticated data acquisition systems that monitor the various onboard systems in the car. When the cars come around the track and pass their respective teams in the pit, this information is downloaded to a central computer, thereby enabling real-time analysis of the performance of the racecar. Not all mobile applications, though, require wireless networking. Sometimes the business case doesn't support the need for mobile real-time access to information. If the application's data can be stored on the user's device and changes to the data are not significant, then the additional cost of wireless network hardware may not provide enough benefits to justify the additional expense. Keep in mind, though, that other needs for wireless networks may still exist.