Viewpoints: Wireless Computing

Packet Data is a method of transmitting digital "packets" of data over a wireless network. Many in the mobile computing and communications industry seem to believe that wireless packet-data networks offer the best mode of communication for data and information typically sent and received by mobile computing devices.

We are certainly packet-data advocates, but we are also realists. Packet data is important, but it is not necessarily the best form of wireless transport in all cases. Perceived problems with packet data include slow data speeds and high costs. But these are minor when compared with the more important issue of using a packet-data network to connect a mobile device back to a user's own desktop or the enterprise's LAN.

Today, such a connection requires a dedicated telephone line between the LAN or the desktop and the wireless network's nearest point of presence. If the Internet or an intranet is used for the bridge connection, middleware and a secure connection are needed. These solutions require attention from the Information Technology manager or IS manager at your company.

Winning his or her support can be difficult at best, unless a wireless data strategy is key to a particular group of mobile workers within the company--sales, service, etc. While many companies and individuals are focusing their efforts on providing easier, secure links between wireless packet-data networks and end-users' data, today there is no one, simple solution.

Having opened our discussion of packet-data communications with these caveats, let us now turn our attention to what is currently available.

In the U.S. today, there are four wireless packet-data networks or service offerings: Metricom's Ricochet, ARDIS/AMSC, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD), and BellSouth Wireless Data (BSWD, formerly RAM Mobile Data).

Ricochet

Metricom's Ricochet networks are available in three major metropolitan areas: San Jose/San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC. Ricochet networks have also been installed in about ten of the busiest U.S. airports and on a number of college and university campuses.

Ricochet is not a truly "mobile" data system. It provides a wireless connection for mobile computers that are at rest, anywhere they happen to be within the coverage area. While some users have found that the network can support limited, basic access while the device is in motion, the primary purpose of the Ricochet system is to provide wireline data speeds to computers that are carried to remote sites, set up, and used while stationary.

Today, data speeds of up to 33 Kbps or more are achievable using Ricochet. Even though it is a packet-based network, Ricochet looks and feels like a dial-up network connection to the end-user. This is a real plus for people who are familiar with standard wired modem access and who know how to dial up and connect to services they want and need.

The cost to the user, including unlimited Internet access, is about $30 per month. The wireless modem can be purchased for between $150 and $350 depending on the model, or can be leased as part of the monthly service package.

Ricochet is great for those who want dial-up access within the coverage areas available, and where wired phone access is not available. It is also an economical alternative to a second or third phone line in your home, and for fleets of users.

The network's shortcomings include limited coverage and wireless modems that are fairly large and bulky. Even the new modem is about the size of a PalmPilot or Windows CE palmtop.

Metricom has several priorities for their network. The first is to implement its new network backbone in existing coverage areas (Silicon Valley, Seattle, and Washington DC). According to Metricom, this will increase access speeds from in the 28-33 Kbps range to 56 Kbps or higher. They also plan to install the system in up to ten new cities over the next few years. (For more information, visit Metricom's Richochet Web Site at www.ricochet.net/.)

ARDIS/AMSC

The ARDIS network is one of two packet data-only networks providing nationwide coverage (90% of the U.S. business population). ARDIS was recently purchased from Motorola by American Mobile Satellite Corporation, and its coverage is being augmented by AMSC's satellites.