WWAN is a wireless way to connect to the internet using cell tower technology. Users need a WWAN PC card or mobile phone with a USB cable. Plans vary between providers, but most are priced based on data download limits. It can be an international solution for global travelers.
A wireless wide area network or WWAN is a way to connect to the Internet wirelessly, achieved using cell tower technology. Cellular service companies offer this type of connection for a monthly fee or, alternatively, for a fee. The connectivity allows a user with a laptop and a special card to browse the Internet, check e-mail or connect to a virtual private network (VPN) from anywhere within the regional boundaries of cellular service.
As people become more dependent on online technology to conduct business and keep information flowing, wireless connectivity has become a virtual necessity. Many hotels and communities offer local connectivity, but coverage is often patchy or non-existent. WWAN can almost guarantee connectivity when the user needs it.
To take advantage of this technology, a user must first purchase a WWAN PC card for their laptop, unless the connectivity is built-in. By purchasing the card and paying a monthly fee, the user only needs to insert the card into the PC card slot (sometimes known as a PCMCIA slot) to access the service. Plans vary between providers, but most are priced based on data download limits.
In some cases, a person may not require 24/7 access to the service, but would like to use it occasionally when free local networks are not available. Some providers have plans that allow users to pay per day for connectivity. By using the WWAN card, the person commits to a small charge, guaranteeing a 24 hour pass. At the end of the XNUMX hours, the user will no longer be able to connect, unless he buys another card.
As an alternative to a WWAN card, some mobile phones can be connected directly to a laptop using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable. The mobile phone acts as a modem to connect the laptop to the Internet. This is only possible with certain phone models and plans, and the data transfer speed will be slower than when connecting with a WWAN card. Before using this method, users should check with their mobile phone provider what charges, if any, may apply.
While there are certainly less expensive ways to get wireless connectivity in many cases, few cover the territory that WWAN offers for those who visit, live or work in remote or “non-wired” areas. The service is commonly available in regions where services such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable may not be available. It can also be an international solution for global travelers, offering one more option to stay connected.
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