Going Wi-Fi: Networks Untethered with 802.11 Wireless Technology

I'm a technology consultant for a Wi-Fi company, so I'm interested in books that go beyond how to set up a nice network in your home or connect to the hotspot at your local café. I've researched quite a few books and while many offer insights into Wi-Fi, this is finally a book that offers the depth and coverage that I need. The book covers the entire spectrum of information (pardon the pun) from the history of Wi-Fi down to the gritty details of just what a radio signal looks like, how antennae function, the nuts and bolts of the various standards, and what it really takes to roll out a secured hotspot for the home, the local café, or the business enterprise. I especially enjoyed the insights into the entrepreneurial aspects of Wi-Fi. The book covers various business models, how the market was segmented at the time of writing, and who the players were. The only drawback is that as a hot technology, the landscape is changing quickly. I did find that the book was dated in several areas just because it is already a few years old, and the market is changing quickly. I do consider this a must-have on the shelf of anyone who either works with Wi-Fi or is managing projects that involve Wi-Fi, and especially those companies tapping into delivery of Wi-Fi solutions as a business model.

Imagine a world where you can communicate with anyone, anywhere, and at any time without interruption. This is the world of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) that is coming of age. Author Janice Reynolds has done an outstanding job of presenting this wonderful technology at our doorstep. Reynolds begins by defining what Wi-Fi really is. She then goes on to explain the benefits of Wi-Fi with regards to its freedom and mobility. According to Reynolds, "Wi-Fi use is experiencing an explosive growth." She maintains that the "successful, long-term development of the Wi-Fi industry is contingent upon the availability of spectrum for its expansion." Next, the author covers signal modulation, whereby data is superimposed on or encoded onto a carrier signal wave by means of a process, which is referred to as modulation. Then, she explains why and how all of this is happening; and, how important it is to understand a bit about Wi-Fi's technology, its standards, history, and even its future. Next, the author explains why wireless LAN's foundation is built upon wired technology. Then, Reynolds examines why WLAN deployments are growing by leaps and bounds. Next, she looks at wirelessly bridging, through the use of Wi-Fi technology to provide a perfect way to connect two buildings. Then, the author gives you a valuable insight and practical knowledge of the different aspects of wireless networking technology, some general issues that each Wi-Fi flavor presents, and awareness of specific problems that may arise during implementation of the various Wi-Fi technologies. Next, Reynolds looks at how the WISP industry encompasses all businesses (for-profit and non-profit) that operate under new, although varied, business models with a common theme: providing publicly available Internet access via Wi-Fi technology. Then, she will help you determine what is best for your wireless networking environment. Next, the author provides a quick tutorial on antennae in a WLAN environment. Finally, Reynolds looks at Wi-Fi's open future. With the preceding in mind, the author does an excellent job of making Wi-Fi an outstanding candidate for building out mainstream data networks not only in the developed world, but also in emerging markets, such as Africa, India, and China, where cost is a very important factor. Finally, with a Wi-Fi-enabled wireless infrastructure serving as the cornerstone, it is now possible for many areas of the world to leapfrog over more developed nations into a high-speed environment.

Going Wi-Fi: A Practical Guide To Planning And Building An 802.11 Network is a straightforward manual by information technology and Internet/Intranet expert Janice Reynolds for installing a "Wi-Fi" wireless network, whether within an existing corporate network or starting from scratch. An overview of "Wi-Fi" history; an introduction to its technology; and a "walk through" of the individual steps to get started, Going Wi-FI also addresses such critically important concerns as security issues, antenna positioning, troubleshooting, and more. Packed from cover to cover with a richly detailed and "user friendly" text, Going Wi-Fi is an indispensable how-to resource for understanding and implementing Wi-Fi technology at home, in the workplace, or at school.

This large book (with small type) covers everything about WiFi, from the theory behind the underlying technology to the way it can be used in both private wireless networks and public "hot spots." It is probably the widest-ranging book on the subject.