The Impact of Wireless Broadband on Society

Introduction
Broadband is the imaging creation of technology while currently people can connect wirelessly from home. In fact Wireless Broadband (WiBB) is a fairly new technology that provides high-speed wireless internet and data network access over a wide area. Besides that, Wireless broadband available in Internet cafés, local “hot spots” within many cities, private businesses and many homes. The advantage of wireless broadband is that the computer receiving the Internet signal need not be tethered by an Ethernet or network cable to the broadband modem or router. [1] A wireless broadband modem receives the service and transmits it via radio waves to the immediate surrounding area.

Advantages
Wireless broadband could benefit different sectors of industries. For instance, operators can use this technology in rolling out data more quickly, without spending a cent for wire-line devices or infrastructure. When different companies upgrade to wireless broadband, it could promote better products and services throughout various business sectors. Some of the advantages are given below;

Ø The most common way to take advantage of wireless broadband is by using a laptop computer. You will need a wireless broadband adapter, commonly available in a portable computer (PC) card format. This is a small credit-card style device that slips into an external port on the laptop. With a little configuration of the software, the laptop will start searching for a wireless broadband signal. Once detected, a handshake is required between the laptop and the network. If the network is not protected by a secure password or other firewall protocol, the laptop will be able to connect to the wireless broadband signal. [1]

Ø Current wireless infrastructures, however, as well as next generation proposals, cannot furnish the necessary bandwidth and capacity to provide these services (surf the Web, download large files, and have real-time video conference) to users traveling at highway speeds. Whereas Mobile Wireless Enhancement to WLAN: Carucel™, The Carucel™ network employs a patented moving base station technology capable of providing broadband service to users traveling at highway speeds. [2]

Ø Since wireless broadband is transmitted via radio waves, secure passwords and firewalls are used on private networks to ensure unauthorized persons cannot connect to the network. [1]

Ø Wireless broadband technologies also include new services from companies such as Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T Mobility, which allow a more mobile version of this broadband access. Consumers can purchase a PC card, laptop card, or USB equipment to connect their PC or laptop to the Internet via cell phone towers. This type of connection would be stable in almost any area that could also receive a strong cell phone connection. These connections can cost more for portable convenience as well as having speed limitations in all but urban environments.

How Does Wireless Broadband Work?
Wireless broadband is an Internet access technology that features high-speed connections over the air. Wireless broadband devices operate on radio ways to transmit or receive data over the air, even without relying on any kind of physical connection.
These kinds of networks usually operate at frequencies lesser than 6 GHz and broadband speeds from 256 kbps to several Mbps.

Wireless broadband networks have several base stations that serve a particular area with network connectivity. Unlike traditional cable or ADSL broadband that uses a phone line, a wireless broadband delivers Internet access to your computer via a wireless connection by using towers across locations that the service provider hosts.

With wireless broadband connections, the modem has a built-in antenna that could connect your computer easily to various towers. With these kinds of technologies, you can bring your computer and still get access to the Internet as long as the provider still covers the area you will be going. [3]

Wireless Broadband in Economy
Wireless technology will continue to have a huge impact on the economy as it becomes easier for businesses and their employees to access the Internet on their cell phones and other wireless devices, according to a study to be released Wednesday by the CTIA, a trade group for the wireless industry.

Productivity gains from people using wireless broadband services will generate $860 billion in additional gross domestic product in the next 10 years, higher than the $600 billion estimated in earlier findings from 2005, says the study, which was conducted by communications analyst Roger Entner at Ovum, a technology consulting firm. [4]

References
[1] http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-wireless-broadband.htm
[2] http://www.carucel.com/
[3] http://blog.worldvillage.com/computers/how_does_wireless_broadband_work.html
[4] http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/27/wireless-broadband-boosts-economy/