Pocket Profiles: Wi-Fi-More than a Luxury

When I invest in technology, I like to purchase something that will not become obsolete after only a year or two. So, over a year ago, when investigating which Pocket PC to purchase, I came across the Toshiba e740. The replaceable battery was an important feature, but I was also attracted to the built in 802.11b wireless capability (a.k.a. “wireless fidelity” or simply “Wi-Fi”). At the time, I had no use for that feature. But I loved the potential.

The e740 was the first Toshiba Pocket PC to come with integrated Wi-Fi capability.

By the time I reviewed my e740 for Pocket PC magazine (http://www.PocketPCmag.com/nov03/rabbi.asp), I had found an actual use for the Wi-Fi capability. At my behest, we had installed a “wireless access point” to the computer network at work—the New Orleans Jewish Community Center. A couple of weeks later, we hosted a conference in our large auditorium, which did not have a wired network connection. I had no problem connecting to the network wirelessly, and I used the e740 for registration, an online Q & A session, and more. I’ve learned a lot more about Wi-Fi since then and have seen the introduction of more and more Pocket PCs with integrated Wi-Fi. I am convinced that it will soon become a necessity in the world of handheld and laptop computing.

Don’t be lazy with security

If you are considering the implementation of a wireless network for your company, don’t ignore security! At work, we use a combination of 128 bit hexadecimal “wired equivalent privacy” (WEP) encryption plus the required identification of a “media access control” address (MAC address) for wireless networking (see sidebar, page 64).

Unprotected wireless networks abound. One day while I was experimenting with the e740’s Wi-Fi manager (Fig. 1), I detected an unprotected wireless network in my own neighborhood. I could have easily connected to it and browsed the Internet. While I was waiting for a checkup, I accessed the network at my doctor’s office without any difficulties, and browsed the Web. (I did notify his office about the security deficiency.) A more ominous threat comes from individuals called “war drivers.” They ride up and down streets with powerful wireless networking antennae, seeking non-secured wireless networks. They even have software designed specifically to help them get into your network. Most of the time, they just want to use your Internet connection, but if you don’t have the right security, they can do serious damage. There are companies dedicated to computer security and I would encourage anyone considering the implementation of a wireless network to consult with them.

Fig. 1: The e740’s Wi-Fi manager lets me search for and connect to Wi-Fi networks.

Staying synchronized all the time

Things have changed quite a bit since I talked the boss into adding a single Wi-Fi access point. Now, Wi-Fi coverage is almost ubiquitous throughout our building and I can connect to the network almost anywhere. I can not only browse the Internet, but more importantly I can keep my e740 synchronized with my desktop PC using Microsoft ActiveSync. My e740 remains synchronized with the desktop PC in my office through our office network’s wireless access point, which is connected to the network’s router. Using this system, I am able to receive any e-mail sent to my desktop PC, immediately on my e740. When I compose an e-mail on my e740 (or enter a Calendar appointment, contact, or task) they, too, are immediately synchronized with my desktop PC. This is a highly useful capability for me. While my job keeps me in the building, it doesn’t keep me at my desk (or my desktop PC). I frequently have multiple meetings outside of my personal office. I don’t have time to go back and check my e-mail. Fortunately, with the e740 and our Wi-Fi enabled network, I don’t have to.