What are the importance of mobile communications?

Mobile technology is indispensable in the modern workplace. Due to its versatility, it offers a range of benefits, but also comes with considerable risks to the business. It is essential to consider both advantages and disadvantages of using mobile technology in business.

What is mobile technology?

Mobile technology is exactly what the name implies - technology that is portable. Examples of mobile IT devices include:

• laptop, tablets and netbook computers
• smartphones
• global positioning system (GPS) devices
• wireless debit/credit card payment terminals

Portable devices use many different communications technologies, including:

• wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) - a type of wireless local area network technology
• bluetooth - connects mobile devices wirelessly
• data networking services for mobile phones - such as 3G, 4G and 5G wireless cellular technologies, global system for mobile communications (GSM) and general packet radio service (GPRS) data services
• virtual private networks - secure access to a private network

These technologies enable us to network mobile devices, such as phones and laptops, to our offices or the internet while travelling or working from remote locations.

Advantages of mobile technology

The benefits of using mobile technology in business can lead to:

• higher efficiency and productivity of staff
• better quality and flexibility of service you offer your customers
• the ability to accept payments wirelessly
• increased ability to communicate in and out of the workplace
• greater access to modern apps and services
• improved networking capabilities

Mobile devices can link you directly into the office network while working off-site. For example, you could remotely:

• set up a new customer's account
• access existing customer records
• check prices and stock availability
• place an order online

Rapid developments in cloud computing are boosting the use of mobile devices in business, supporting more flexible working practices and accessing services over the internet. 

Disadvantages of mobile technology

Main disadvantages that come with the use of mobile technology in business include:

• Costs - new technologies and devices are often costly to purchase and require ongoing maintenance and upkeep.
• Workplace distractions - as the range of technologies and devices increases, so does the potential for them to disrupt productivity and workflow in the business.
• Additional training needs - staff may need instructions and training on how to use new technology.
• Increased IT security needs - portable devices are vulnerable to security risks, especially if they contain sensitive or critical business data.

If you are using mobile devices for business, you should take measures to ensure that the devices, and the data they access, remain safe. See more on cyber security for business and securing your wireless systems.

Mobile Communication is the use of technology that allows us to communicate with others in different locations without the use of any physical connection (wires or cables). Mobile communication makes our life easier, and it saves time and effort.

A mobile phone (also called mobile cellular network, cell phone or hand phone) is an example of mobile communication (wireless communication). It is an electric device used for full duplex two way radio telecommunication over a cellular network of base stations known as cell site.

Features of Mobile Communication

The following are the features of mobile communication:

• High capacity load balancing: Each wired or wireless infrastructure must incorporate high capacity load balancing.
  High capacity load balancing means, when one access point is overloaded, the system will actively shift users from one access point to another depending on the capacity which is available.

• Scalability: The growth in popularity of new wireless devices continuously increasing day by day. The wireless networks have the ability to start small if necessary, but expand in terms of coverage and capacity as needed - without having to overhaul or build an entirely new network.

• Network management system: Now a day, wireless networks are much more complex and may consist of hundreds or even thousands of access points, firewalls, switches, managed power and various other components.
  The wireless networks have a smarter way of managing the entire network from a centralized point.

• Indoor as well as outdoor coverage options: It is important that your wireless system has the capability of adding indoor coverage as well as outdoor coverage.

• Network access control: Network access control can also be called as mobile device registration. It is essential to have a secure registration.
  Network access control (NAC) controls the role of the user and enforces policies. NAC can allow your users to register themselves to the network. It is a helpful feature that enhances the user experience.

• Mobile device management: Suppose, many mobile devices are accessing your wireless network; now think about the thousands of applications are running on those mobile devices.
  How do you plan on managing all of these devices and their applications, especially as devices come and go from your business?
  Mobile device management can provide control of how you will manage access to programs and applications. Even you can remotely wipe the device if it is lost or stolen.

• Roaming: You don't need to worry about dropped connections, slower speeds or any disruption in service as you move throughout your office or even from building to building wireless needs to be mobile first.
  Roaming allows your end-users to successfully move from one access point to another without ever noticing a dip in a performance.
  For example, allowing a student to check their mail as they walk from one class to the next.
• Redundancy: The level or amount of redundancy your wireless system requires depends on your specific environment and needs.
• For example: A hospital environment will need a higher level of redundancy than a coffee shop. However, at the end of the day, they both need to have a backup plan in place.
• Proper Security means using the right firewall: The backbone of the system is your network firewall. With the right firewall in place you will be able to:
  • See and control both your applications and end users.
  • Create the right balance between security and performance.
  • Reduce the complexity with:
    • Antivirus protection.
    • Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)
    • Application filtering
  • Protect your network and end users against known and unknown threads including:
    • Zero- day.
    • Encrypted malware.
    • Ransomware.
    • Malicious botnets.

• Switching: Basically, a network switch is the traffic cop of your wireless network which making sure that everyone and every device gets to where they need to go.
  Switching is an essential part of every fast, secure wireless network for several reasons:
  • It helps the traffic on your network flow more efficiently.
  • It minimizes unnecessary traffic.
  • It creates a better user experience by ensuring your traffic is going to the right places.

Advantages of Mobile Communication

There are following advantages of mobile communication:

• Flexibility: Wireless communication enables the people to communicate with each other regardless of location. There is no need to be in an office or some telephone booth in order to pass and receive messages.
• Cost effectiveness: In wireless communication, there is no need of any physical infrastructure (Wires or cables) or maintenance practice. Hence, the cost is reduced.
• Speed: Improvements can also be seen in speed. The network connectivity or the accessibility was much improved in accuracy and speed.
• Accessibility: With the help of wireless technology easy accessibility to the remote areas is possible. For example, in rural areas, online education is now possible. Educators or students no longer need to travel to far-flung areas to teach their lessons.
• Constant connectivity: Constant connectivity ensures that people can respond to emergencies relatively quickly. For example, a wireless device like mobile can ensure you a constant connectivity though you move from place to place or while you travel, whereas a wired landline can't.