For years we have been lugging our laptops around the country to make sure that we can access our e-mail and the internet through our ISP when we want. It became progressively easier as laptops became lighter, but it was still a nuisance. Now, the logical progression of wireless networks means that you can access your ISP through your enhanced mobile telephone. Hand held devices, such as Blackberry and Treo keep your e-mails coming, allowing you to instantaneously respond. The World's a Network? And the People are its' Surfers It seems today that all the world's an extranet and you only have to use Wireless or LAN to access your electronic communications. Certainly the development of greater security for ISPs and the increased connectivity that wireless networks give us means that we can pick up e-mails on the hoof - even in mid air - thanks to some airlines' installation of wireless telecommunications in their airplanes.
If recent news turns out to be true, by the end of next year we will be able to use cellular telecommunications while we fly - not necessarily good news if you value the respite from other people's telephone conversations that flying gives.
Usually wireless networks give access to broadband, making telecommunications fast and easy to access, as well as allowing full access to all the Internet can offer. You can download music for your Mpeg 3 player and access the internet, all on your handheld device.
Telecommunications Changes the Face of Communication So where are we going with all this instantaneous communication? Well, your guess is as good as mine, but the advent of video-over-Internet Protocol heralds such ideas as street TV, the videophone, and instant visual as well as audio and data communications. Of course, it means that entertainment will be available everywhere and at any time, but there are more serious applications than simply filling in your spare time.
Use Your ISP to Study and Work You can work anywhere and at any time, traveling, in the office or at home. You don't have to travel to "meet" people. You can study online anywhere, giving you access to time that is otherwise wasted, such as commuting to work, or traveling for business. You aren't limited by the nature of the materials you are studying, and you can communicate visually - invaluable for conferencing, group meetings, and presentations.
We are seeing developments in telecommunications and related technologies such as wireless networks every month, and this level of development is likely to continue. Wireless networks have been widely commercially available for less than 10 years, but during that time they have changed enormously. Where we will be in another 10 years is anyone's guess.
About the Series "The Wireless Networked World" is a four-part series focusing on changes in wireless technology that affect the average persons' life. To learn more about wireless network training, and how you can begin your exciting career in wireless, visit our directory of schools offering degrees in wireless networking.
To view our other articles on the topic of wireless networking, please visit the following links:
The Wireless Networked World: Rapid Growth in Wireless Jobs - Part 1 The Wireless Networked World: Satellite TV and ISPs - Part 2 The Wireless Networked World: Healthcare and Information Technology - Part 3 
