Page 29 - WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES- BLUETOOTH AND WI-FI

collaboration, which would be difficult to achieve without Wi-Fi technology. Students working
on projects, engineers constructing buildings or health professionals saving lives all can connect
and collaborate quickly and efficiently using Wi-Fi technology.

Weak Security

One big disadvantage of Wi-Fi involves security. By definition, free Wi-Fi hotspots are not
secured. These open networks attract hackers who are broadcasting their own network id, very
similar to that of the particular establishment. Many times customers connect to the hacker's
network ID and become victims of identity theft. Wireless network can be secured for homes and
offices, but it does take some work and some expertise, but you should never conduct
confidential business on a free Wi-Fi network.

Fig.B.7.1 Weak Security

Interference

Wi-Fi operates in the 2.4GHz frequency, along with cordless phones, microwaves and even baby
monitors. Many times these devices interfere with the wireless signal and cause problems with
the network. The actual damage may be noticed immediately with degraded network
performance, or much later when you discover that a file has been corrupted.