Wireless technology is gaining ground because of its low cost and ease-of-use. We all are familiar with radio and phones that use wireless technology. There are many more possible practical applications for wireless and the breakthrough developments happening in this field are set to revolutionize the future.

Wireless network means less maintenance and less cost. The advent of radio has put a stop to the use of telephones that uses wires to transmit signals. The new age cell phones based on wireless technology have made it possible for us to reach anyone anytime. Wireless technology translates into a lower cost since it obviates the laying down of cables and wires and regular maintenance. The other area where a significant impact has been felt is in the networking of computers. The usual scenario of having a wired Internet connection is all set to change. The wireless connections are soon going to be cheaper than the wired alternative and will also be easier to use. This will result in people shifting to the wireless option, if available.

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) will be the next generation of wireless, an improvement over the existing wireless networking that uses a standard called 802.11. The good news is that you will not need to change your equipment, as it will run on the existing hardware. Though scientists are still working on it, it is poised to take the world by storm. The first WiMAX equipment is slated for launch by the end of 2005. Its biggest advantage will be that it will cover a wide area, which could be as much as up to 50 kilometers! The term Local Area Network (LAN) will be replaced by Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), which would cover the whole city! It will also offer higher speeds of up to an astounding 10MB per second, coupled with improved security. All you would need to do is buy a subscription, plug into a network and you are ready to go!

Bluetooth technology is becoming a part of our lives now. Apart from replacing your USB port, it has the potential of replacing all the wires in your equipment, except for the power cord! Imagine the convenience of staying in a house that does not have wires, where Bluetooth connects all the equipment. It would mean fewer hassles in cleaning the house coupled with freedom from the fear of tripping over wires!

It wouldn't be surprising if by the end of the next decade wireless technology would becomes commonplace. It sounds convenient and should also be lesser in cost. Given its potential, we all seem to have a much easier life, with a faster and safer access to the world!