Wireless Networks
Advantages of Wi-Fi Networks
Wireless networks are ideal for buildings where cabling is not possible or is too expensive to install such as historic or older buildings where it is often difficult or impossible to run cables. They are also great for providing network access in outdoor or public areas such as hotels, cafes, transportation hubs and service areas as a way of both attracting and prolonging the stay of visitors. Wireless networks have become quick and easy to install making them ideal for short-lived network installations such as exhibition areas or temporary work areas. They can be used to extend wired LAN access everywhere and can now give higher data rates equivalent to some wired networks.
The Wi-Fi certification standards developed and maintained by the Wi-Fi Alliance mean that interoperability is virtually guaranteed between different vendor’s equipment including PC adapters, mobile phones, access points and routers. Concerns about the original WEP security have been fully addressed with the introduction of WPA2 encryption which is required for 802.11n Draft 2 certification making is virtually impossible to crack the code.
The introduction of IEEE 802.11n networks using Multiple Aerial (MIMO) means that they can now offer higher data rates and better coverage to reach places that required extra access points or high gain antennas when using 802.11g technologies
Potential Problems with Wi-Fi Networks
As with any technology, you need to be aware when it may not be appropriate to use or where its performance may be affected. Being based on public radio frequencies in the 2.4 GHz channel, wireless networks can be susceptible to interference from other RF devices such as:
- Microwave ovens especially if they are old and leaking
- Bluetooth devices such as mobile phone headsets
- Other wireless networks which may be transmitting on the same channel.
These problems can often arise in high density areas such as apartment buildings or office buildings. They do not mean that wireless networking is not feasible in such environments: more that you need to be aware of them and to be able to identify workaround solutions such as channel selection, shielding and use of higher gain antennas.
ASCTEC can provide a full wireless survey of your premise which will highlight these potential problems that can be caused by interference or signal loss before you purchase your equipment or install your access points. By having this survey you may be able to save yourself money from having to fix problems later. Contact us for more details of our comprehensive wireless survey.
The IEEE 802.11n Standard
The IEEE 802.11n standard is currently at Draft Version 2. It is on track to be finally approved and ratified in 2009. In the meantime, working with the independent Wi-Fi Alliance organisation, vendors have developed interoperability standards and testing environments to make sure that the products built to the 802.11n Draft V2 specification will work properly together. Once the standard is approved in 2009, most wireless equipment vendors will make firmware upgrades available for their products to bring them up to the final specification. In the meantime, wireless users should look for the Wi-Fi N Draft Certified mark below to ensure products are compatible.
Certification programs
The following certification programs provide certification marks and tests to ensure interoperability between different wireless vendor’s equipment.
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Since 2000, the Wi-Fi Alliance has worked with its members to certify more than 3,500 Wi-Fi products. Through comprehensive testing, the Wi-Fi Alliance certification program ensures that wireless local area networking (WLAN) products from multiple manufacturers work with each other. Certification programs include basic connectivity, security, authentication, and Quality of Service (QoS). Programs that will be introduced in the future are in the areas of simplified setup of security-enabled home networks, radio performance, convergence with cellular, and high throughput. |
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Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ is an optional certification program from the Wi-Fi Alliance that is designed to ease the task of setting up and configuring security on wireless local area networks. Introduced by the Wi-Fi Alliance in early 2007, the program provides an industry-wide set of network setup solutions for homes and small office (SOHO) environments. Wi-Fi Protected Setup enables typical users who possess little understanding of traditional Wi-Fi configuration and security settings to automatically configure new wireless networks, add new devices and enable security. Products that are Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ for Wi-Fi Protected Setup are expected to appear on the market during the first quarter of 2007. |