Currently wireless networks are spreading more and more all over the world. Mostly portable computers, the so-called laptops, are connected to such networks. What is the advantage? First of all, wireless networks allow you to carry your laptop into the conference room, kitchen or back yard. Second, if you have a laptop with a wireless network adaptor, it can be connected to a wireless network with the help of the so-called hot spots in hotels, airports, cafes, shopping centres or other service sphere establishments. „Hotspot“ means wireless data transfer connection which allows you to use the resources of Internet or Intranet with the help of a laptop. If you have an Internet camera, you can communicate with your partners or friends without any trouble, you can also use video consultations, organize business meetings.

The most widely spread wireless connection specification 802.11b theoretically it transfers data up to the speed of 11 mbps (some new products enable the specification to 22 mbps). A faster specification 802.11a theoreticallly transfers data up to the speed of 54 mbps and costs not much more than 802.11b. However, 802.11a and 802.11b equipment cannot communicate with one another. A few manufacturers make connection nodes that connect both specifications. The latest specification– 802.11g. This specification “communicates” with 802.11b.

And though wireless networks cannot compete with 10/100-mbps Internet connection, the latest wireless, or Wi-Fi, equipment is faster than telephone and energy line technologies. And, as we have already mentioned, using the hot spots you will be able to use your laptop without any restrictions.

Currently wireless networks are hugely popular all over the world. According to the reviewers of one of the most famous analyst companies IDC, soon over half of near;y 6 million USA households that have network connections, will have some kind of a wireless local access network (WLAN). It is likely that the other PC of these users will be a laptop, says an analytic Jonathan Gaw: „What is the point to have a wireless network, if you do not leave your desk?“ The fact that users are more and more inclined to choose the possibilities of the wireless connection is also noticed by the world’s biggest computer technologies’ manufacturers such as IBM and “Dell“.

However, a couple of years ago hot spots around the world were few and that is why most of the users rarely chose the possibility of wireless connection. According to a research “Gartner Dataquest” conducted a few years ago by another famous research company „Gartner“, there were only 14 thousand hot spots around the world in 2002, and therefore less than 10 per cent of the users who use public wireless access possibilities were doing it regularly. However, recently the number of hot spots is growing fast. According to „Gartner“, after 4 years, or in 2008, the number of hot spots will increase to 167 thousand and they will serve 35 million of regular wireless access users.

Also spreading in Lithuania

Wireless connection and hot spots are also quickly spreading in Lithuania, especially in the capital Vilnius. Though there are not many hot spots here as there are in the capitals of Western countries, there number is increasing all the time. Recently one such access point to the wireless connection in a modern shopping and free-time centre „Europa“ (Konstitucija av. 7A) was installed by „Penki kontinentai“.

As „Hotspot“ connection allows to use the resources of Internet and Intranet with the help of your laptop, the issues of ensuring information security immediately arise. „Penki kontinentai“ provide a possibility to choose an encoded connection channel for working with Internet resources which means that you really do not have to worry about information security. Wireless connection at the shopping centre Europa may be used free of charge. Later browsing the Internet will cost. „Penki kontinentai“ specialists have created a simple solution – you will receive a check at the shopping centre, which will contain an instruction how to use wireless Internet connection.

While your wife does the shopping, you will be able to take care of your business or check your e-mail very simply in any café in Europa with a cup of coffee.

If you want to communicate with your friends in a more interesting and qualitative way, use the Internet camera. In “Europa“, the shopping centre, you can use video consultations, conferences, IP telephony, organize business meetings or simply enjoy yourself. The material of video conferences can be saved for later review. At the end of April on the 31 floor of  „Hanner“ business centre a new conference room was opened where not only business conferences but also business meetings can be organized, you can also receive business partners, company employees and company guests there.