Handbook of Wireless Networks and Mobile Computing

Rating:
Summary: Much More Growth
Review: No one in the computer field seriously doubts that wireless networks and mobile computing still have vast growth ahead. The amazing uptake of cellphones worldwide in just 10 years has shown this. But in such markets as India, cellphone usage is still in its infancy. Plus, in developed countries, the introduction of more powerful cellphones and other wireless devices has driven ever greater bandwidth consumption.

The papers in this book give suggestions on possible directions that may unfold. The papers covering ad hoc networks are especially fascinating, for these merge into existing ideas of smart dust and pervasive, nomadic, wearable computing.

It's probably true to say that each major topic in the book has vast commercial applications. As just one example, it describes significant difficulties in deploying a wireless net inside a building. Yet, just in homes, the market is huge, as attested by the domestic usage of WiFi. Plus, of course, inside commercial buildings, wireless is attractive because of the cost of the cabling alternative.

To some readers, perhaps frustration may result from reading the text. Some of the vistas suggested are indeed glittering. Still, if that is how you feel, perhaps you can use this book to help bring about that future.