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What Do I Need to Build a Wireless Network?
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Wireless networks are comprised of two components ?access points and client devices. The components communicate with each other via radio frequency transmissions, eliminating the need for cabling.
Access Points
A wireless network is built around one or more access points that act like hubs which send and receive radio signals to and from PCs equipped with wireless client devices. The access point can be a standalone device, forming the core of the network, or it can connect via cabling to a conventional local area network (LAN). You can link multiple access points to a LAN, creating wireless segments throughout your facility.
Client Devices
To communicate with the access point, each notebook or desktop PC needs a special wireless networking card. Like the network interface cards (NICs) of cabled networks, these cards enable the devices to communicate with the access point. They install easily in the PC slots of laptop computers, the PCI slots of desktop devices, or link to USB ports. A unique feature found on the wireless PC Card of a leading vendor, features a small antenna that retracts when not in use. This is extremely beneficial given the mobility of laptop computers. You can also connect any device that doesn?t have a PC or PCI card slot to your wireless network by using an Ethernet Client Bridge that works with any device that has an Ethernet or serial port ? e.g. printers, scanners etc.
Once the access point is plugged into a power outlet and the networked devices are properly equipped with wireless cards, network connections are made automatically when the devices are in range of the hub. The range of a wireless network in standard office environments can be several hundred feet.
Wireless networks operate like wired networks and deliver the same productivity benefits and efficiencies. Users will be able to share files, applications, peripherals, and Internet access.
What features should I look for in a wireless network?
Standards-based and Wi-Fi certified
Wi-Fi is a robust and proven industry-wide network standard that ensures your wireless products will interoperate with Wi-Fi certified products from major networking vendors. With a Wi-Fi based system, you will have compatibility with the greatest number of wireless products and will avoid the high costs and limited selection of proprietary, single-vendor solutions. Additionally, select a wireless solution that is standards-based and fully interoperable with Ethernet and Fast Ethernet networks. This will enable your wireless network to work seamlessly with either your existing cabled LAN or one that you deploy in the future.
Simple to install
Your wireless solution should be plug and play, requiring only minutes to install. Plug it in and start networking. For even greater ease of deployment, your solution should support the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which will automatically assign IP addresses to wireless clients. Rather than install a DHCP server in a standalone device to provide this timesaving capability, select wireless hubs that feature DHCP servers built into them.
If you are adding a wireless system onto your existing Ethernet network, an access point that can be powered over standard Ethernet cabling makes a great choice. This enables you to run the access point using low-voltage DC power over the same cabling you use for your data ?eliminating the need for a local power outlet and power cable for each access point device.
Robust and reliable
Consider robust wireless solutions that have ranges of at least 300 feet. These systems will provide your employees with considerable mobility around your facility. You may chose a superior system that can automatically scan the environment to select the best radio frequency (RF) signal available for maximum communications between the access point and client devices. To guarantee connectivity at the fastest possible rate, even at long range or over noisy environments, make sure you?re system will dynamically shift rates based on changing signal strengths and distance from the access point. Additionally, select wireless PC cards for your laptop computers that offer retractable antennas to prevent breakage when the devices are moved about.
Scalability
A good wireless hub should support approx 60 simultaneous users, enabling you to expand your network cost-effectively simply by installing wireless cards in additional computers and network ready printers ?for printers or other peripherals that do not support networking, you connect them to your wireless network with a wireless USB adapter or an Ethernet Client Bridge.
Ease of use
A wireless network should be as effortless for users to operate as a cabled network. To ensure maximum performance and reliability at all times, chose a system that can automatically scan the local environment to select the strongest available radio frequency channel for communications.
Should you plan to connect multiple wireless hubs to an existing cabled network, consider a solution that features automatic network connections. When a user roams beyond the boundaries of one wireless hub into the range of another, an automatic network connection capability will seamlessly transfer the user?s communications to the latter device, even across router boundaries without ever reconfiguring the IP address manually. This is particularly useful for businesses with multiple facilities that are connected via the wide area network (WAN). As a result, users will be able to move about your facility and beyond freely and remain connected to the network.
Web server for easy administration
You will simplify administration of your wireless network if you select an access point with a built-in Web server. This allows you to access and set configuration parameters, monitor performance, and run diagnostics from a Web browser.
Security
Choose a wireless solution that offers multiple security layers, including encryption and user authentication. A secure solution will offer at least 40-bit encryption and advanced systems can provide 128-bit encryption. For both ease-of-use and for the strongest protection, select a superior solution that automatically generates a new 128-bit key for every wireless networking session without entering a key manually. Also consider a system that features user authentication, requiring workers to enter a password before accessing the network.
A site survey application
Your wireless networking solution should include a site survey utility. The utility can help you determine the optimal location of wireless hubs and the number of hubs you need to support your users. It will help you to deploy a wireless solution effectively and efficiently.
Do I need a technician to install my wireless network?
Generally, you can install a wireless network yourself. A wireless solution is an effective strategy if your organization lacks networking experience. Some advanced systems can be set up in a minute or so.
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