Convergence of Wireless Technology and Enterprise Networks: Integrating the Internet

This work examines the ongoing development of the wireless voice and data world. The report addresses how wireless devices have improved and discusses the many applications of wireless technology, including remote monitoring services and active management of remote assets. The report also discusses the emerging need for mobility for both enterprise network segments and the mobile worker. Wireless voice communications and wireless data communications have gathered momentum as the expansion of wireless voice services has taken on a greater subscriber base. The emergence of low-cost, wireless, local loops has enabled providing wireless telephones to subscribers who might otherwise have waited years for telephone access. The enterprise network can be easily extended via wireless modems or wireless terminals to support any number of remote users or remote locations. The network hub can be accessed through the public network using cellular digital packet data (CDPD) or advanced mobile phone services (AMPS) analogue connectivity. "Convergence of Wireless Technology and Enterprise Networks: Integrating the Internet" addresses the speed with which satellite service providers have positioned themselves to support Internet backbone transport. The report discusses the available technologies for mobile wokers, including wireless modems, and addresses the additional security measures that must be taken when remote access is granted. The growth of Internet-based traffic on wireline networks has exploded and is doubling every three months on primary long-distance connections. The Internet has taken to the air with the launch of the first successful low-Earth orbit (PEO) system and a number of satellite services offering wholesale Internet backbone support. "Convergence of Wireless Technology and Enterprise Networks: Integrating the Internet" examines why the Internet has changed how people and businesses communicate and explains how the use of wireless technology to extend the Intenet from rooftop to rooftop at 100 megabits per second (Mbps) levels will greatly alter how the Internet is used. CTR's new "Convergence of Wireless Technology and Enterprise Networks: Integrating the Internet" report examines all aspects of wireless technology, how it is being used in today's computing environments, and what it will mean to the future of the enterprise. The report features in-depth case studies of wireless applications and offers an extensive list of vendors and developers in the wireless arena.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 Executive Summary: The Convergence of Wireless Data Applications; Examining the Convergence of Fixed and Mobile Communications; Understanding the Impact of Recent Developments; Digital Cellular Telecommunications; The Wireless Private Branch Exchange (PBX); Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA); The Digital Smart Hand Set; Laptops, Portables and Hand-Held PCs; The Growth of Mobile Technology; The Mechanics of Convergence. Part 2 Extending the Reach of the Enterprise Network: Wireless Network Strategies; Wireless Data Networking; Wireless Local Area Networks (LANs) - the Starting Point; The New Enablers; Extending the Enterprise Network; Extending Beyond the Local Loop. Part 3 Satellite Communications: Satellite Services Mature; Satellite and the Internet; A Satellite Overlay; Multicasting; Other Satellite-Based Service Providers; The Role of Very Small Aperture Satellite Terminals (VSAT) and Networks. Part 4 Convergence with the Internet and Mobile User: Changing Internet Access; Rooftop Wireless Internet Access; Rooftop Network Configurations; Broadband Point-to-Multicast Distribution Systems; Consecutive Point Architecture; Integrating the Voice Component; Security Issues. Part 5 Implementing the Wireless Infrastructure: Telemetry; Remote Monitoring Applications; Integrated Applications; More Value Over the Wireless Network; Managing Mobile Assets; Wireless Custom Content Applications. Part 6 Wireless Services and the Transportation Industry: The Early Application of Radio; The Remote Vehicle Radio Frequency (RF) Unit; The Radio Network; The Central Computer System; The User Interface; Fleet Management; Understanding GPS; GPS Technology Applications; Vehicle Tracking and Locating Systems. Part 7 Wireless in Support of the Mobile Worker: Managing Field Assets; Some Wireless System Requirements; Configuring the Road Warrior; Applications Using a Wireless Modem. Part 8 Wireless and Public Safety: Digital Standards Move Forward; Conventional Systems and Beyond; The Arrival of the In-Car Terminal; Smartphone; Wireless Servers; Monitoring Public Telephones. Part 9 Conclusions: Increased Voice Traffic; E-Business Collections; Preferred Yellow Pages; Monitoring and Control; Application Case Studies; Vendors and Developers in the Wireless Arena; A Look at the Future.