| Mobile computing refers to the use of small and | | | | It can provide a maximum networking speed of |
| portable computing devices in wireless enabled | | | | seventy Mbps. It provides much better facilities |
| networks that provide wireless connections to a | | | | than Wi-Fi such as higher bandwidth and high data |
| central main server. These devices include laptops, | | | | security by using enhanced encryption schemes. It |
| notebook PCs, tablet PCs, palmtops, personal | | | | can provide service in both Line Of Sight (LOS) |
| digital assistant (PDAs) and other hand held | | | | and Non-Line Of Sight (NLOS) locations, but range |
| devices. A radio-signaling device is installed inside | | | | may vary accordingly. WiMax supports several |
| these devices for receiving and transmitting | | | | communication protocols, and can act as the |
| electronic data. | | | | backbone network for an ISP(Internet service |
| Wireless networks use Wi-Fi(wireless fidelity) | | | | provider) as well as telecom service provider. |
| technology for providing network coverage to | | | | Mobile computing devices can use any of these |
| offices, public places, and other small workplaces. | | | | networks to access the Internet or connect to a |
| A wireless access point device is used to provide | | | | LAN( local area network) or WAN(wide area |
| wire free network coverage in the designated | | | | network) server. They use networking software |
| area. An access point device that is built on | | | | for adjusting device settings to suit specific |
| 802.11b and 802.11g IEEE (Institute of Electrical | | | | network requirements. |
| and Electronics Engineers) standards transmits | | | | Mobile computing has enabled users to remain |
| data at 2.4 GHz whereas devices that comply | | | | connected while on the move. High end users can |
| with 802.11a standards transmit at 5 GHz. | | | | opt for satellite based networking which provides |
| WiMax (Wireless Interoperability for Microwave | | | | wireless connectivity anywhere in the world. |
| Access) technology represents the next | | | | However, this technology is costly and will take |
| generation of wireless networking and can | | | | many years to become as affordable as Wi-Fi |
| transmit data up to a distance of forty-eight km. | | | | and WiMax. |