Fast and loose - the benefits of wireless

Five key wireless technologies

Long Term Evolution (LTE)
LTE is one of the next major steps in wireless broadband delivery, offering increased capacity, higher speeds and lower latency. Based on pure IP protocols, LTE promises richer communication including enhanced voice, video and messaging services and advanced multimedia solutions. One problem facing LTE introduction is that the frequencies planned for the new wireless service are different from existing GSM and 3G networks, so new antenna will be required at most cell sites.

WiMax
A companion to LTE in the faster 4G sector is WiMax, a broadband wireless standard that has been around for a little while. Using licensed and unlicensed spectra, WiMax delivers a point-to-point connection to the internet from service provider to user and has been developed mainly to support wireless metropolitan networks with a transmission range of a few kilometres. LTE and WiMax offer different functions and each will find their niche within the wireless market.

Satellite communications
Useful for very remote users or as an alternative to terrestrial communications systems, satellite communications overcome some of the issues of geography and terrorist activity. Very small aperture terminal (VSAT) satellite communication systems are an attractive option when the coverage area is large, quick installation is required and when terrestrial alternatives are difficult to organise. Implement a VPN (virtual private network) on top for secure end-to-end communication.

GPS
The global positioning system (GPS), originally a US military project, is often used by civilians for navigation purposes. While GPS has been available for some time, its integration into mobile phones and other handheld devices is leading to the development of new applications that can make use of its absolute location, relative movement or accurate time-data feeds.

Mesh networks
A mesh network is made up of a number of nodes ­ either workstations or other devices ­ directly connected to each other and can offer increased reliability and redundancy. Due to the increased availability of Wi-Fi-enabled devices, a new breed of mobile mesh network is emerging. Known as Manets (mobile ad hoc networks) these can be used for communication between moving users and/or a fixed central location. Add fixed internet nodes into the equation and iManets (internet-based mobile ad hoc networks) appear.
As nodes are mobile, the network topology may change rapidly and unpredictably over time.