Wireless LANs

Xiang , Z , Song , S , Chen , J , Wang , H , Huang , J , Gao , X (2004 September-November , A wireless LAN-based indoor positioning technology IBM Journal of Research and Development , 617-626

This article is a presentation of a WLAN-based indoor positioning technology . It is a report of the results of a set up of the authors positioning system at the IBM China Research Laboratory . The experiments results indicated an accuracy of 2 m with a 90 probability for static devices and an accuracy of 5 m with a 90 probability for mobile devices . The researchers presented

a tracking-assistant positioning algorith to employ knowledge of the area topology to assist the procedure of position determination

WLAN , along with infrared , video surveillance and ultrasound belong to the third category or indoor location systems of positioning systems that are designed to track or determine a user 's location . The first two are global location systems which include GPRS and area-wide location systems

WLAN-based positioning system has distinct advantages over other systems because the network usually exists as part of the communications infrastructure and also because it covers a large area compared with other types of indoor positioning systems . Third , it is also relatively stable because of its robust RF signal propagation

In the experiments , it was noted that WLAN signals are affected by other factors besides distance from the access point . This includes the lay-out of the area , the number of walls and other obstacles that the signal has to pass through , the orientation of the signal receiving unit , and other factors in the environment that might interrupt the signal . Signal propagation in an indoor environement is subject to reflections , diffrraction , and scattering of radio waves

Such tracking systems as presented by the maximizes the potential of WLAN . That it is much more accurate than other tracking systems means that it may be exploited to serve delicate operations and services

Weber , A (2006 March . Going Wireless . Assembly , 49 (3 , 74-81

Weber 's article tackles the emerging use of Wireless Networks in the industrial sector , as an alternative to the predominantly used cable and wire . The article notes that although industrial engineers use wireless gadgets and equipment , industries lag behind in the wireless revolution

The article enumerates the positive reasons why industries are beginning to shift to Wireless systems . The reasons the article mentioned included costs as it provides savings on material and labor flexibility , because wireless systems allow easier add-ons , removals and other changes in the system mobility because users can operate machinery remotely . However the article argues that the greatest benefit that can be derived from wireless technology is the ability to reduce the use of cables at a dramatic level along with the problems that is associated with it

To prove his points on the growing demand for wireless technology in industries , Weber quoted managers and directors of various industries who are currently using wireless technology . This means that the points raised by the article is based on empirical evidence as supported by the...