A network involves a number of devices linked together to form a communications system for information and device sharing. Local Area Networks (LANs) are small, limited to about 500 meters, and are commonly deployed in corporate offices to facilitate low–cost, high–bandwidth information transfer within a company. Cities and other metropolitan regions can be connected via Metropolitan Area Networks or (MANs), and Wide Area Networks (WANs) involve systems communicating across large geographic regions such as states or countries. Globally, computers in networks interlink to form what we refer to as "the Internet."

Networks are widely used in both the business and consumer landscapes. In the corporate environment, LANs are commonly used to share resources, including electronic files and devices such as printers. These LANs are generally connected to other networks via WANs and the Internet to facilitate global data access.

Wireless networks provide the next step in utility and convenience for many industries. In general, wireless networks provide the power and freedom of mobility, with the setbacks of reduced speed and unpolished functions (as compared to wired networks). While wireless networks have existed for decades, only the recent boom of handheld and mobile devices has spurred the demand necessary to create robust networks. Thus, many new wireless technologies, hardware, protocols and standards are currently still in the developmental phase. Until these new protocols and standards are refined and adoption becomes more widespread, these fundamental issues concerning latency in data transfer will remain.

The sections below will provide a general overview of the existing state of wireless networks, a more detailed discussion of wireless LANs (WLANs) and wireless WANs, (WWANs), and a short discussion of emerging wireless technologies.

Introduction to Networks
Overview of Wireless Networks
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs)
Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWANs)
Emerging Technologies

Josh Fisher worked in equity research at Volpe Brown Whelan & Co. and Montgomery Securities (now Banc of America Securities), focusing on the eHealth, pharmaceutical services, and managed care industries. Josh also worked at Columbia/HCA in the managed care division. Josh graduated with a BS in Economics and Pre-Med from the University of California at Berkeley.