Three technical hurdles on the road to a wireless office-integration, integration, integration

The wireless office is a term describing the wireless voice and data communications capabilities that are emerging in the general office environment. Wireless voice systems include wireless private branch exchanges (PBXs), wireless Centrex, and wireless key telephone systems (KTSs); while wireless local area networks (LANs) provide data communications. In contrast to other communication markets, where data tends to follow or lag voice developments, wireless LANs are leading the transition to the wireless office. The author discusses the wireless office, particularly the wireless LAN. The following topics are included: technology platforms; installation and performance comparison; spectrum shortage problems; market hurdles to be overcome; product pricing; and future developments