We bring together the most relevant Electronics Weekly content on a range of wireless technologies:

Wireless networking – and in particular, WiFi – has become a buzzword for the 21st century. The number of WiFi hotspots is growing at an extremely rapid rate and has expanded from its initial commercial focus, through to personal use and beyond.

Wireless networks have proliferated across the globe and they are being used today for a much wider range of applications. Cheap and stable WiFi networks allow engineers to improve data collection techniques, human-machine interfaces and web-based applications such as system programming and management.

The temptation to introduce new assignments quickly and easily without laying out miles of cables has, for many, proved too thrilling to resist. The maintenance and management sectors have taken a bite out of the wireless network apple and WiFi has allowed them to update equipment without a single cable in sight.

WiFi networks are able to be established without cabling, thereby significantly reducing the cost of network establishment and expansion, if needed. It is rare to find a laptop today without built-in wireless capabilities. Also, the pricing of WiFi chipsets continues to decrease, making WiFi attractive as a networking option and WiFi is included in an ever-growing range of devices.

Wireless network security issues

IEEE 802.11b utilises the wired equivalent privacy protocol to encrypt data. Created to extend a similar level of security to wireless networks as a wired LAN, wired equivalent protocol works at the physical and data link layers of the network. However, this has left a lot to be desired.

IEEE 802.11g initially utilised a stronger security standard named WiFi protection access, designed to advance on wired equivalent protocol. It has more sophisticated encryption algorithms uses authentication. Wired equivalent protocol was adopted as an interim standard. Since then, the IEEE 802.11i standard has been widely used and integrates WiFi protection access along with new security inclusions and it is expected to eventually replace WiFi protection access.

Industrial applications challenge wireless networks

WiFi systems in the electrical engineering industry bring a host of new challenges compared with wireless network use in the home.

Many industrial workplaces are home to large amounts of electrical noise. Various radio systems running simultaneously, radar and microwave sources and welders are but a few examples of industrial noise. Signal reflection and attenuation can also impact on signal coverage. WiFi network power levels, receiver strength and access point placement are all important factors of any wireless system.

Dependable individual parts and the network overall can have an impact on plant safety, security and downtime costs. Users expect guarantees on system performance levels as well as network characteristics like data transmission speed and data corruption.

Wireless network component manufacturers are producing WiFi system parts that have been specifically design to combat the impact of electrical noise. For instance, stations and wireless network access points tailored to the industrial marketplace apply greater transmitter power levels.

Improvements to industrial market equipment include casings resistant to the weather, mounting options and connectors. Today, some manufacturers will bundle their equipment with software designed to carry out RF site surveys to determine the strength and consistency of plant coverage. Some WiFi system access points include remote management capabilities.

The collection of wireless modems, serial servers, access point and other wireless network components is constantly growing. The durability of WiFi equipment is constantly improving. Simultaneously, wireless network levels continue to grow and change while remaining compatible with older equipment and software. Both manufacturers and users are enjoying WiFi networks thanks to advancements in wireless system technology. IEEE802.11 compliant wireless networks are a major player in that movement.

WiFi on Electronics Weekly

Latest News

• University of Southampton develops free Wi-Fi network for locals
• European Antennas provide WiFi hotspot coverage
• European Antennas presents wireless LAN WiFi antennas
• WiFi - Wireless networks here to stay
• MIMO technology to boost WiFi networking speed

Previous news to note

WiFi health risks - fact or fiction?
Electronics Weekly debunks some of the myths surrounding wireless networks and the concerns about their impact on the health of humans.

Low cost wireless revitalises networking
The future of wireless networks seems solid as managers in the electronics engineering industry no longer have to pay massive overheads to have WiFi systems installed and maintained.

LAN controller is RoHS compliant
Communications technology specialist Digi has announced the launch of its first embedded core module with fully integrated and extremely secure wired and wireless networking capabilities.

DAB radio firms cut power consumption to FM levels
Portable radio designers have long bemoaned the power consumption of DAB decoders but now industry insiders are confident power levels will drop close to FM levels in the near future.

Police will use radar to see through walls
Transatlantic design engineering specialists Cambridge Consultants have unveiled a through-wall radar specialliy designed for security services, with the technology also of benefit to special operations and emergency services.

C-MAC designs microwave amplifiers for defence market
Electronic component firm C-MAC MicroTechnology has developed a range of solid-state Ku band microwave amplifiers tailored to the aerospace, defence and communications industries.

Multi-standard chip is way forward for wireless
WiFi technology manufacturers are demanding more options in building devices resulting in an IC that supports various wireless standards.

The 802.11n standard:grown up at last
Even for a wireless communications standard, the 802.11n specification has over the last several years been subject to an exceptionally messy development process.

WiFi on Electronics Weekly blogs

Lousy networks
David Manners comments on the state of wireless networks in the US in comparison to those in Europe.

Hurrah! Buckshee WiFi for London
A free WiFi service was launched in London, bringing the capital in London with several other major European cities that already offer free WiFi.

Can you turn a Pringles can into a WiFi antenna?
The Gadget Freak blog features a video showing two gizmo enthusiasts with a WiFi antenna created from a Pringles can.

Electronics Weekly Trends and Technologies

Bluetooth the way forward for wireless
Bluetooth has become a household name and as its implementations have undergone improvements, the wireless technology's popularity has soared in recent times.

Future of WiMax promising, despite critics
The popularity of WiMax is apparent in every sector, including the electronics engineering industry, even though a few critics remain.

ZigBee low-power radio networking
Zigbee is a low-power radio networking technology that can support thousands of nodes in dynamic star and mesh networks.

Wibree - Ultra Low Power (ULP) Bluetooth
Wibree - which is now known as Ultra Low Power (ULP) Bluetooth - is radio technology for small, button cell battery-operated devices.

Ofcom and the regulation of UK communications
The official watchdog of the British communications sector, Ofcom is an influential and, at times, controversial, player in the development of networking technologies.

Further WiFi information

Wireless machine-to-machine interfaces
Wireless machine-to-machine interfaces represent the third wave of computers. The first wave was business computers, expensive mainframe and supercomputers affordable only to the largest businesses. This phase appeared and grew during the 1960s and 1970s...

Wireless power transmission: No strings attached
Any technology that offers to free applications from power cords and wall warts will confer a definite salable edge on electronic devices.

Addressing WiFi health-risk paranoia in schools
Telecommunications giant 3Com is partnering with education specialist 802.UK to promote WiFi technology to teachers and students and to put to rest the rumours surrounding wireless networks.

Singapore serious on wireless fraud
A Singapore teen could face up to three years in prison if convicted of tapping into someone else's WiFi connection.

No evidence that WiFi impacts on health: Health Protection Agency
The official report from the Health Protection Agency stating that there is no evidence to suggest the detrimental impact WiFi systems have on people.

Fighting crime with wireless technology
Police forces across the globe are encouraging citizens to use wireless technology to report crime.