| Primarily, Wi-Fi was developed for the ease of | | | | mobile number but for the cost of landline and |
| communication between laptops and Local Area | | | | with additional coverage. This technology is a huge |
| Networks (LAN). However, today Wi-Fi plays a | | | | advantage for business travellers, since |
| major role in overall wireless communication | | | | international-roaming charges are eliminated. |
| connecting a number of devices such as Personal | | | | To connect to a Wi-Fi network the user must be |
| Digital Assistants (PDA), VoIP phones, gaming | | | | within a range of an Access Point. Typically |
| devices, mobile phones and music devices. | | | | access to internet via an access point is given |
| Wi-Fi works as a method of data transfer. It | | | | based on a fee. However due to competitive |
| helps a user to connect to a network without the | | | | market, some companies have started giving out |
| difficulty of connecting physical cables and | | | | Wi-Fi access for free. A popular example is the |
| software configurations. The ability to connect to | | | | Starbucks chain of coffee shops which are |
| a network is determined by the surrounding | | | | providing Wi-Fi hotspots. Google has also launched |
| Access Points (AP). A geographical area covered | | | | a free wireless internet service in California, USA. |
| by a wireless access point is called a 'hotspot'. | | | | Companies that require the customers to 'wait in |
| Wireless technologies give more freedom and | | | | the queue', are now considering to provide Wi-Fi |
| efficiency to users. The user only needs to carry | | | | access to their customers. Coffee shops, car |
| a wireless device to a hotspot and can be | | | | washes and dental offices are few of which have |
| connected to the network with a little or no | | | | joined this revolution. Even though these |
| special configuration. This makes it a perfect | | | | companies are providing it as a 'free' service, their |
| solution for the busy, mobile work force. | | | | underlying motive is to promote their brands to |
| Wi-Fi is a rapidly growing technology. Once it was | | | | gain a competitive advantage. Day by day many |
| perceived as just 'wireless internet'. Wi-Fi has | | | | companies are joining to offer more and more |
| opened a lot of doors of innovation to existing | | | | hotspots. In USA some service providers has |
| businesses. More and more access points are | | | | come up with plans to cover large cities with their |
| opening up everyday. The number of Wi-Fi | | | | Wi-Fi coverage. ClearWire Corporation (USA) has |
| compliant devices is also on the rise. The existing | | | | announced they have made the plans to build a |
| businesses are trying to convert this 'opportunity' | | | | nationwide wireless broadband network within |
| to a 'strength' by deploying new services. For | | | | three years using the emerging WiMAX |
| example, in September 2006, Mobiboo launched | | | | technology. These are clear indications of the high |
| the UK's first Wi-Fi Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone | | | | business potential in the growing market. |
| service. This service has the ability to provide a | | | | |