Track 1

The Basics of Wireless Data Communications
Presented by Andrew Seybold

Andrew Seybold will take the mystery out of wireless communications technologies, reducing complex technologies to easy-to-understand explanations in every-day English. This session is designed for those who are coming from the wireless voice world and know that data is becoming increasingly important, and those that want to better understand how wireless systems work, the differences between voice and data, and the basics of wireless.

Seybold will describe the differences between analog and digital systems and illustrate how the various wireless data systems work. When he is finished, you will have a solid understanding of analog cellular, CDPD, Motient, Cingular Interactive, 1-, 1.5-, and 2-way paging services including SkyTel, Arch and Weblink Wireless, cellular and PCS systems, digital satellites, and in-building wireless systems including Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi (802.11A and B).

After explaining the technologies, Seybold will delve into the marriage of computers and communications systems. This segment will provide attendees with an up-to-the minute timetable of where and when wireless data services are available today as well as a roadmap of future networks and services, and a look at mobile terminals and information resources that are and will become available over these networks.

The session finishes with observations about the viability of the “wireless Internet,” applications that are poised to drive wireless data usage, the reality of wireless data networks and speeds and some predictions about the world of wireless data for 2002 and beyond.

Known as someone who isn’t afraid to say what he thinks, Seybold will share his opinions as a leading analyst in the wireless industry as to what works and what doesn’t, as well as what is needed to ignite the long-awaited wireless explosion.