A new face of internet connectivity with wi-fi mobile phones

Social networking has acquired huge dimensions partly because of access to social media platforms
via portable devices such as tablets and the mobile phones. Internet usage over the mobile phones is
not limited to just GPRS facility. Wi-fi too has been known to exist for long but now it has entered the
mainstream as a common mode of wireless internet access through mobile phones. It is not unusual to
see people accessing internet on their mobile phones in a cafe or a college campus by using the wi-fi
facility. Let’s have a closer look at this technology.

What is it all about

The devices that conform to IEEE 802.11 standard are termed as wi-fi devices. The technology has been
available for more than a decade but the use has become more commonplace now. This is because of
significant improvements that have come about over the years. These have considerably reduced the
cost of networking infrastructure.

How it works

Mobile phone internet connectivity using wi-fi happens over a wireless network. In this case, the
connectivity is limited to access points within a specific range of distance. It may be as low as 20 meters
or higher depending on how the network is built.

The changes it brings

1. Gives a fillip to social media

Internet connectivity over mobile phones has brought about a revolution in the domain of social
networking. Round the clock access has made it possible to interact with one another even when one is
on the move. The popularity stems from the fact that networking is not constrained by issues pertaining
to lack of time. Earlier on, it acted as a major impediment.

2. Offers an avenue for innovative marketing campaigns

Organizations can create a wi-fi zone and allow potential consumers to download content relating to
their products and services along with some content that the people find useful.

3. Allows one to keep abreast with latest happenings

People need not worry about network issues relating to wireless networking when they are indoors.
Wi-fi enables you to access the internet using your mobile phone to ensure you do not miss out on
important messages.

4. Makes information available at all times

Students can access internet at all times in their wi-fi enabled campuses. The same holds true for
employees in a workplace with such a facility. Even coffee shops have gone ahead and implemented the
same.

The advantages

1. Ease of network access over an area

The access to network over mobile phones is no longer limited to the use of GPRS facility over telephone
networks. Wi-fi makes seamless connectivity available in a particular zone.

2. Allows for free access to online resources

Organizations can make certain online resources available to their employees or clients free of cost. The
organization also stands to gain by creating a seamless space for interaction, product promotion and
valuable data collection.

The flaws

1. Security issues

Not all encryption standards for wireless networks are known to be secure against hacking. In case the
connection is not configured properly and happens to be unencrypted, then it makes the user data
susceptible to hacking.

Advancements in technology are bringing about a complete change to our communication landscape.
Not just the mode but the manner of communication is also changing. Wi-fi connectivity over mobile
phones is an instance of this. It is for us to make the most of the technologies available to us by using
these constructively. These are certainly a value addition to our lifestyle.

About the author: Margaret is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on environment and
technology. Beside this she is fond of books. She recently bought a Sofa Design. These days she is busy
in writing an article on vertical farming.

Read more at Technology Blog by Ash Chuan