Hotspot Networks
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Overview
Hotspot Networks are a new industry that seemed to come out of nowhere at the end of 2001. It has been described as a thrreat to the carriers' cellular networks (ABC News) and "the guerrilla revolution of wireless computing" (Seattle Times). Hotspots offer users Internet and telecom services that are up to 40 times faster and less than 1/10 as expensive as what they've got now. Reminiscent of the '90s, the action is evenly split between startups and providers, and the business press is following this industry closely.Synopsis
Hotspot Networks: Wi-Fi for Public Access Locations
The Hotspots Revolution
Hotspots: killer app of 802.11. That's what the media say. These open-to-the-public wireless networks, showing up in hotels, airports, Starbucks, and even parks, have captured a lot of headlines. The Seattle Times calls hotspots the guerrilla revolution of wireless computing. ABC-TV news says hotpots threaten major carriers' cell networks. If you want to investigate this revolution, Hotspot Networks provides the technical support.
Need-to-know information on a fast-emerging technology from one of the top voices in networking—that's what this detailed guide for network engineers and developers gives you. With Hotspot Networks, you can position yourself to promote, design, configure, implement, or develop service applications in a hot new market. With in-depth advice, Dan Minoli helps you—
* Deliver wireless Internet and telecom that's 40 times faster and one-tenth the cost of conventional networks
* Get up to speed quickly on enabling technologies, components, and design options
* Hear the lowdown on key players and products on track to market
* Build the background you need in WiFi
* Steer around technical obstacles that tripped others up
* Overcome operating glitches
* Rate startups vs. established providers
First-to-market—this book captures the lead in technical coverage of hotspot networks, so you can take the lead in delivering wireless Internet and voice.
Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble ReviewHotspots are open-to-the-public wireless personal area networks (WPANs) that are showing up in hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, airports, cafes, parks, and just about everywhere else. This is a rapidly growing new market niche, and one that may be just for you.
This book focuses on the pragmatic aspects of designing, deploying, and maintaining hotspot networks, and -- to a lesser extent -- on the infinitude of architectural alternatives that have been advanced, particularly for wireless wide area networks (WWANs). Author Daniel Minoli does an excellent job of exploring the relevant technologies, standards, security issues, and protocols. For instance, Chapter 1 provides an overview WPAN, wireless local area network (WLAN), WWAN technologies, and the market potential for these services. Chapter 2 discusses the key standards that are applicable to hotspot services. Next, Chapter 3 covers each of these technologies in greater technical depth. In addition, Chapter 4 addresses the critical issue of security -- a particularly important issue, since there has been early negative press about the first-generation security systems in place. Chapter 5 discusses in some detail the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. On the other hand, Chapter 6 covers the newer IEEE 802.11b and IEEE 802.11a. Chapter 7 discusses the wireless application protocol (WAP), a de facto standard that has been around for years. Next, Chapter 8 covers the design aspects of nomadic networks. And, finally, Chapter 9 addresses the migration to third-generation (3G) WWANs and the future direction of the technology.
Whether or not hotspot networks are the second-best aspect of the coffee-shop experience, one thing is for sure: The expected exponential growth in subscribers for these services in the U.S. is doubling every 100 days. The good news is that the WLANs and hotspot services now being deployed will eventually drive the evolution to 3G by 2005 -- and possibly to 4G by 2010! John Vacca
John Vacca, the former computer security official (CSO) for NASA's space station program (Freedom), has written 38 books about advanced storage, computer security, and aerospace technology.