Setting up a network CDMA vs. GPRS

[vostk100]

Hello experts,

I'm currently looking at setting up a wireless network in a lab environment. It's about a half dozen people running chemistry and biology testing. I'm trying to get them wireless primarily so they move about without constantly having to run back to a desktop and do entry. Internet access is needed but is a secondary concern to intra-network activities. The programs they use are large and need to move substantial quantities of data.

I need to make a decision whether we need to go to a CDMA or GPRS based system. I'm interested to know which you guys (and girls!) would think is better and why. From the little bit I know about it I'm leaning towards CDMA as it seems to have a much greater bandwith for moving data. But like I said, I'm a little lost here so any help or ideas you guys can give is much appreciated. Thanks--

[bobolito]

CDMA or GPRS are used by cell phone companies and are designed for wireless phones. So you can discard that idea since the equipment used is out of your reach. CDMA and GPRS are very slow and out of your budget. What you need is WiFi since it is fast, cheap and easy to implement. With the latest technology you can achieve speeds over 50mbps. However, coverage is limited to a few dozen feet per radio station so you need to setup several sites to cover the desired area.

[Bugwart]

Bobo is absolutely correct. WiFi is the way to go.

WiFi is fast, the equipment is cheap, and once you set it up, the usage is free.

[vostk100]

Thank you both. See, now that's why I'm glad I asked, I don't know why the vendor never even mentioned wi-fi to me as a possibility.