Prime Insight Consulting Blog: Working Without Wires II

Working Without Wires II

This is the second part of our two part look at working without wires. This article will be all about WiFi.

To see the first part of this article, Click Here to learn about 3G wireless.

WiFi encompasses many different standards. We are going to lump them all together because from a functional standpoint, they all work basically the same way.

If 3G wireless is like having a cell phone, than WiFi is like having a cordless phone. A wireless network is comprised of a wireless access point (or WAP) that is connected to a network (which could include access to the Internet.) To extend the analogy, the WAP is like the base station that is connected to your house wiring, which is connected to the public phone system. This allows you to connect to the wireless network and get to the internet. You can move around and remain connected, but just like a cordless phone, if you get too far from the base station you lose connectivity and drop your call.

Where the analogy breaks down is your ability to connect to different WiFi networks in different locations, called "hotspots." WiFi hotspots can be found at libraries, coffee shops, hotels, restaurants, and many other locations. There can be fees associated with using the WiFi hotspot, or it may be free. Either way, great care should be used when connecting to a WiFi hotspot as it is VERY easy to steal information from people when you control their network connection. If I were to offer a free WiFi hotspot I could record every piece of information sent or received by people using my hotspot. Even if the data is encrypted, I can still record it for later decryption. Whenever you access a WiFi hotspot, you should consider ANYTHING you do to be unsecured. Avoid logging into your bank account, or purchasing anything from an online vendor. Please review our article on email security.

Why do some wireless networks show up with a lock, and some without? Does the lock mean they are safe to use?

When you want to connect to a wireless network using your laptop, you may find that there are several networks available in your immediate area. Some might not be "secured" but most will be. All this means is that there is security protecting the hotspot from unauthorized access. It does NOT mean that the data being transmitted is secure. When you try to connect to a secured network you will need to enter a password, called a "key." Your computer will store the key for future use, but it is checked every time you connect.

So do I choose WiFi or 3G?

Both actually. There are no monthly fees for WiFi, and it is a faster connection than 3G. When choosing a wireless technology for your home or office, WiFi is the clear choice. The problem with WiFi is that it isn't available everywhere you go. And where it IS available, unless you KNOW who set it up, it's untrustworthy. For those situations, 3G is a much better option.