TOW 25 - Article: It’s Time for a Rational Perspective on Wi-Fi by Peter Rysavy

Writing Goals:
Have analysis be concise and go back to the thesis

Reading Goals:
Analyze a piece relevant to technology

     Children, teenagers, and even adults have all become obsessed with the current technology. Everywhere you look, someone is either holding an iPad, smartphone, and/or computer. It is even safe to assume that, no matter where they are, such people will continuously attempt to connect to the Wi-Fi. Assuming that global Wi-Fi will exist, the general public is unaware of Wi-Fi's limitations. Peter Rysavy, a wireless technology analyst and president of Rysavy Research, argues that a Wi-Fi-only world is not possible. By strategically incorporating counterargument and powerful analogies, Rysavy was able to make clear that global Wi-Fi is not possible.
     To enhance Rysavy's credibility, he includes counterargument to attack assertions made against his claims. Rysavy first brings up a statement made by Comcast in its recent pleadings to acquire Time Warner. It involves a the theory that "if government were to give innovators sufficient unlicensed spectrum, a global Wi-Fi network, available everywhere, built by hundreds or even thousands of entities, would materialize." Seeing as public hotspots are becoming a more common trend in today's society, it only seems respectable to extrapolate and assume that Wi-Fi will soon be present all over the world. However, Rysavy simply argues that assumption by stating that there will be many coverage gaps and congestion. He provides examples of times at hotels and airports, places where an escalating number of people connect to Wi-Fi. By adding counterargument into his article, Rvsavy makes his points seem more believable and true. Attacking and disproving claims opposing his not only strengthen the allegations he is making, but also improving his credibility as a wireless technology analyst, making his audience consider what Rysavy says.
     Counterargument is further complemented by his use of powerful analogies. Near the end of his article, Rysavy compares LTE and Wi-Fi networks to roads by saying, "LTE networks are like well-planned freeways that use dedicated land and provide broad transportation coverage. Wi-Fi is like the mishmash of all other roads, providing great local access but not serving as a viable substitute for freeways." Everyone knows the difference in convenience between a highway and a local road. So by relating wireless networks to roads, Rysavy strongly appeals to ethos because he establishes a common ground between his readers and himself. In this case, both parties are able to understand what is being discussed. Such an analogy makes it easier to channel his arguments through his simplification.  

     Peter Rysavy, a dogmatic yet credible analyst, successfully achieves his purpose of convincing his audience that global Wi-Fi existing in the future is not a possibility. Through his extensive use of counterargument and relatable analogies, Rysavy was able to qualify himself as a person allowed to make such claims, but also as a realist who speaks from facts, not blinding emotions.

Link: http://gigaom.com/2014/04/27/its-time-for-a-rational-perspective-on-wi-fi/