WLAN casts net wider as demand grows

In a very short period, wireless local area networking (WLAN) has moved from an all-too-often insecure bonus connection or luxury for a few, to an essential need that has to be managed and delivered like any other part of IT infrastructure.

Wireless networks might not be using licensed spectrum in the same way that licensed public carriers operate, but they are becoming professionally delivered services that are relied upon as much as cellular mobile networks.

In buildings and across campuses – offices, factories, colleges and hospitals – wireless networks deliver high-bandwidth mobile connectivity where there is little or no cellular coverage.

Where once it was sufficient to reach formal and informal workstations and desks, mobile devices such as tablets and small smart things connecting to the internet via the internet of things (IoT) means wireless coverage is expected and demanded everywhere.