Wireless Usability Software Usability Engineering Spring Semester 2003 Dr. Randolph Bias by Ding-Yu, Chung (Alex)

Wi-Fi? –Wireless Fidelity, the informal name given to the IEEE b High Rate standard – is the name for wireless LAN specifications in general –2.4Ghz

Devices –Cell phones –PDAs –Laptop Computers

Range – line-of-sight

Advantage –Inexpensive $200-$300 dollars –Scaleable two home computers or the entire University of Texas at Austin campus. –Useful & Flexible Disdvantage –Line-of-Sight –2.4Ghz –Security

Security –no physical barrier Wi-Fi units broadcast RF signals, radio frequency –encryption –firewall?

Case Study –Starbucks the need of providing service MobileStar, one of the largest wireless Internet Service Providers T1 line via a wireless Access Point using hardware supplied by Cisco and Compaq and software developed using Microsoft tools

Future –802.11a –54-100Mbs in the 5GHz band –Home appliances –Game consoles