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Wireless Connectivity for Mobile PCs
by Vinit Nijhawan

Start ý Local-Area Wireless ý Mobile Computer Technology ý Applications ý Sources and PDF

APPLICATIONS

Wireless data communications applications, such as wireline applications, are limitless. A few examples are environmental and other field data collection, mobile (trucks, forklifts, etc.), and asset tracking.

With environmental and other field data collection, many industries can reduce downtime of service by wirelessly collecting operational data from unmanned remote equipment. Oil, electric utility, gas utility, road infrastructure, toll collection, and fishing are examples of industries that utilize wireless telemetry data collection. With the advent of low-cost, low-data-rate, satellite communications, coverage in extremely remote areas is now available. As a result of increased coverage and lower communications costs, the remote data collection and telemetry industry will dramatically increase wireless usage.

Also, nearly 11% of product cost goes to shipping and handling as the product makes its way up the supply chain. Reducing this cost will add billions of dollars to companiesý bottom lines. Wireless LAN and WAN communications and mobile PCs are instrumental in automating the supply chain. Putting wireless mobile PCs on forklifts, in the hands of warehouse workers on trucks and truck docks makes operation more efficient.

As supply chain collaboration between customers and suppliers moves to the Internet, wireless Internet applications will grow exponentially. Kineticýs eTruck.net wireless application service is an example of an Internet solution for supply chain collaboration (see Photo 2). eTruck.net enables trucking companies to collaborate with their customers, shippers, and the shippersý customers. This capability is available to carriers with no up-front IT investment, just an on-going operational monthly fee.

Photo 2ýThe eTruck.net wireless Internet application service allows commercial vehicle operators to web-enable their fleet operations. eTruck.net allows shippers, recipients, and trucking companies to manage freight using a simple web browser interface.

Finally, wireless embedded computers are being used to remotely track assets in warehouses and hospitals. Asset tracking is similar to the space-based Global Positioning System (GPS), except the satellites are replaced by low-cost transceivers that are placed in buildings to track these assets.

The potential for growth in the public wireless field is limitless. Only the future will determine which radio and mobile communication technologies will expedite the growth in these exciting markets.

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