Wireless Network & Hotel (Assignment 2b)

Wireless networks play a very important role nowadays. How can a wireless network influence a hotel? Generally, wireless brings lots of benefits to hotels and guests in three ways. Wireless increases hotel revenue, improves a hotel’s image, and helps mangers keep hotels in good management.

First of all, wireless service will increase hotel revenue and save internet setting charges. Once a hotel has wireless service, occupancy rates will be higher than before because customers feel more comfortable to reside in this hotel. It also increases attendance in public areas in hotels such as restaurants, coffee shops and souvenir stores since residents would stay in the hotel grounds for their needs. For instance, people would set up a meeting in a restaurant since they would be able to access the wireless network. Moreover, wireless is easy to set up. In contrast with traditional cable, wireless saves lots of charges such as telephone lines and fitment fees.

Wireless service also distinguishes a hotel from its competitors. Easy access to check E-mail or having a convenient meeting in the hotel lounge can make customers’ satisfaction increase. As a result, the hotel’s image has been increased as well. For example, a hotel having a wireless network service can make people feel it has more advantages than a hotel does not have one.

Last, it helps managers to maintain their hotel. Keeping a hotel in a good management requires a manager to master emergencies quickly. Managers can get information anywhere through a wireless network. Managers also can give feedback or orders to their employees. For instance, when an emergency happens, but a manager is not at his or her office, the best way is that send a message to him or her is through a PDA. That way, the manager can react quickest.

However, wireless still has some disadvantages. For example, not all guests have laptops which have a Wi-Fi function. In this situation, guests still need wired network service. Also, some desktops do not have Wi-Fi function as well.

For installation of a wireless network, people need some appropriate equipment. Here is a list about necessary and optional equipments:

1. Access Point (necessary)

Access Points, Residential Gateways, DSL & Cable Products

2. Cellular Convergence (necessary)

Enable both Wi-Fi and cellular communications

3. Embedded Client (optional)

Notebooks, PDA, etc.

4. Ethernet Client Device (optional)

Wireless-to-Ethernet Station Adapters & Converters

5. External & Internal Card (optional)

PC Cards, PCMCIA Cards, CardBus & SD Cards MiniPCI Cards & PCI Cards

6. USB Client Device (optional)

Dongles & Adapters