Wi-Fi wonders: computer connectivity at work, home, on the road.

• Author: Kapp, Jennifer
• Position: Communications - Wireless computer networking technology

The virtual office--a productive workspace away from the office. For years, it's been the dream of executives and the goal of techies. It's closer than ever with the proliferation of wireless computer networking technology, often known as wi-fl.

Wireless computer networking can operate simply through a peer-to-peer connection between two or more computers with wireless adapters, or several computers can connect to one access point--a specially equipped server. "It may be useful to think of the access point as a cellular telephone tower in the sense that you have to be in range of one to get service, but they are different technologies," says Tom Brown, president of NetLink Technologies in Lafayette.

Companies turn to wireless computer networking mostly for mobility and fast Internet speeds. Wireless-ready laptops allow workers to move around within a facility or go out into the field with all computer capabilities intact. "They want to go out in the field and still have an Internet connection. Sure, they're re stricted a little by access points, but there 'is a large growth pattern for people using portable systems," says Martin Roth, a partner in Kemper TechnolQgy Consulting, a division of Kemper CPA Group in Evansville.

Business travelers and their laptops may be prepared for the opportunity of using wi-fl access points on the road, but these access points are still a bit hard to find. In the United States, some 3,000 of these so-called hot spots exist in 20 of the country's top metropolitan markets. They are located mostly in hotels, airports, restaurants, conference centers and train stations. The user pays an access fee for time used. "Starbucks and the Admiral's Club--an American Airlines amenity at airports--are among the first and best known," says Joe Heersche, director of broadband sales for ERS Wireless.

There are hot spots around Indiana, including at the Doubletree Guest Suites hotel in Carmel, River Crossing Apartments in Indianapolis and Jimmy's on the River restaurant in Jeffersonville. More are on the way. "When wireless access becomes more available, there are a lot of customers ready to use it," Roth says.

While some need mobility to areas outside the office, others need that flexibility on-site. "It makes sense to have wireless access in a conference room so a bunch of mobile people--an entire sales force, for example--can come together and plug in at once," Heersche says. Then a presenter can...