Unit 1 NT1310 Lab 1
Unit 1. Lab 1. Fixed Line vs. Cellular Debate
A cellular network or mobile network is a wireless network distributed over land areas called cells, each served by at least one fixed-location transceivers known as a cell site or base station. In a cellular network, each cell uses a different set of frequencies from neighboring cells, to avoid interference and provide guaranteed bandwidth with each cell.
When joined together these cells provide radio coverage over a wide geographic area. This enables a large number of portable transceivers to communicate with each other and with fixed transceivers and telephones anywhere in the network, via base stations, even if some of the transceivers are moving through more than one cell during transmission.
PROS:
Ease of installation: Wireless networks have become commonplace with Wireless N being the current standard. While it is easy to purchase a wireless router, connect it to the Internet, and install in either a home or office setting, it is best to have a network professional install and configure the wireless router in your practice. You want to ensure that you have high security enabled and that there is sufficient wireless coverage throughout all areas within the practice.
Cost: Depending on how many wireless repeaters (signal amplifiers) you have installed, the cost of hardware is generally low, although you are strongly recommended to use the services of a wireless network expert in the selection and configuration of a wireless router. Commercial routers are generally more expensive, but are more stable and offer better security controls. A $99 router from Best Buy is not advisable.
Mobility: The ability to access information anywhere in your practice and not be limited to fixed stations offers significant advantages, in particular within your examination rooms where you may want to use a wireless tablet or laptop and carry it with you from room to room.
CONS:
Security: Wireless networks are more difficult to secure
A cellular network or mobile network is a wireless network distributed over land areas called cells, each served by at least one fixed-location transceivers known as a cell site or base station. In a cellular network, each cell uses a different set of frequencies from neighboring cells, to avoid interference and provide guaranteed bandwidth with each cell.
When joined together these cells provide radio coverage over a wide geographic area. This enables a large number of portable transceivers to communicate with each other and with fixed transceivers and telephones anywhere in the network, via base stations, even if some of the transceivers are moving through more than one cell during transmission.
PROS:
Ease of installation: Wireless networks have become commonplace with Wireless N being the current standard. While it is easy to purchase a wireless router, connect it to the Internet, and install in either a home or office setting, it is best to have a network professional install and configure the wireless router in your practice. You want to ensure that you have high security enabled and that there is sufficient wireless coverage throughout all areas within the practice.
Cost: Depending on how many wireless repeaters (signal amplifiers) you have installed, the cost of hardware is generally low, although you are strongly recommended to use the services of a wireless network expert in the selection and configuration of a wireless router. Commercial routers are generally more expensive, but are more stable and offer better security controls. A $99 router from Best Buy is not advisable.
Mobility: The ability to access information anywhere in your practice and not be limited to fixed stations offers significant advantages, in particular within your examination rooms where you may want to use a wireless tablet or laptop and carry it with you from room to room.
CONS:
Security: Wireless networks are more difficult to secure