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Wireless Networking: The
Complete Guide |
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The Dawn
of the Wireless Renaissance It's Time to Go Wireless!
Although we're constantly hearing about the miracle of wireless
technology, we're merely at the dawn of the Wireless Renaissance. From
Auckland New Zealand to Mt. Everest, Internet cafes and other wireless
hot spots dot our increasingly interconnected globe (yes, there really
is an Internet Café at a Mt. Everest base camp), but the best and most
ingenious use of this breakthrough innovation is yet to come. For now,
the wireless gold standard is 802.11g - - the newest, fastest and most
powerful 802.11 radio technology that broadens bandwidths to 54 Mbps
within the 2.4 GHz band. Because of backward compatibility, older and
slower 802.11b radio cards can interface directly with an 802.11g access
point and vice versa at 11Mbps or lower, depending upon range.
We've come a long way, baby - just in the past couple of months.
That's how rapidly the wireless net that will someday encompass the
entire globe is morphing. Much quicker than we write these words,
technicians are gleaning new ideas that will revolutionize the way we
communicate. From Marconi (the inventor of wireless communication back
in the late 19th Century) to 802.11g - the sky is not the limit for how
far we will take the wireless renaissance - it was merely a suggestion
that we rejected long ago.
 Rating
the 802.11 Wireless Standards
In 1997, when the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) created the first WLAN standard they called it 802.11. Because it
could only support a maximum bandwidth of 2Mbps - far too slow for most
of today's applications - ordinary 802.11 wireless products are no
longer being manufactured. The next wireless incarnation was 802.11b,
which supports bandwidths of up to 11Mbps, followed by the creation of
802.11g, which supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps and signals in a
regulated 5 GHz range. While 802.11g is the fastest wireless technology,
is it the best for your home or business? Here is a brief synopsis of
the three primary 802.11 standards:
- 1. 802.11b - This technology supports bandwidth up to 11MBps,
which is comparable to the speeds of traditional Ethernets. 802.11b
uses the same 2.4GHz radio signaling as the original 802.11 standard.
Because it is an unregulated frequency, 802.11b devices run the risk
of incurring interference from appliances that use the same 2.4 GHz
range, such as microwaves and cordless phones. However, if you install
802.11b devices out of range of other appliances, you can avoid the
interference. Some manufacturers prefer using unregulated frequencies,
such as 802.11b to lower their production costs. On the negative side,
802.11b is relatively slow and supports fewer simultaneous users.
- 802.11a - IEEE created 802.11a at the same time it made 802.11b.
802.11a supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps and signals in a regulated 5
GHz range. This higher frequency limits the range of 802.11a in
comparison to 802.11b, and due to its higher cost it's used primarily
in the business sector rather than in homes. 802.11a's higher
frequency also causes its signals to have difficulty penetrating walls
and other obstructions. Because they utilize different frequencies,
802.11a and 802.11b devices are incompatible with each other.
- 802.11g - This technology supports of up to 54 Mbps, uses the 2.4
GHz frequency and is backwards compatible with 802.11b devices.
802.11g supports more simultaneous users, offers the best signal range
and is not easily obstructed. The disadvantages of 802.11g is higher
cost and possible interference with appliances on the unregulated
signal frequency.
The Evolution of 802.11 Wireless Technology
1997 - 802.11 - 2 MBps
1999 - 802.11a - 54 Mbps in regulated 5 GHz range. Pro: Fast access.
Con: Limited range
1999- 802.11b - 11Mbps in 2.4 GHz range
2002 - 802.11g - 54 Mbps in 2.4Ghz range and is backwards compatible
with 802.11b, meaning that 802.11g access points will work with 802.11b
wireless network adapters and vice versa. Pro: Faster access and
backwards compatibility. Con: Higher cost than 802.11b.
 Why
Connect?
According to International Data Corp. (IDC), about half of all U.S.
households have a computer, and a much higher percentage of businesses
use PCs. Tens of millions of these homes and businesses have more than
one computer one. In fact, market research shows that current PC owners
buy most of the new computers. This means that multi-computer households
are becoming increasingly more common. If you are one these multiple-PC
owners, you have probably thought about how great it would be if your
computers could talk to each other. With your computers connected, you
could:
- Share a single printer between computers
- Share a single Internet connection
- Share files such as images, spreadsheets and documents
- Play games that allow multiple users at different computers
Here are the advantages of wireless networking:
It's fast (11 - 108Mbps).
It's reliable.
It has a long range (5,000 feet in open areas, 250 to 400 ft / 76 to 122
m in closed areas)
It's easily integrated into existing wired-Ethernet networks.
Virtually all 802.11g wireless networking products work with each other
no matter what brand or model. Wireless offers Ethernet speeds without
the wires. Access points vary greatly in cost, from about $59.99 to
$1,400. Access points have an integrated Ethernet connection to connect
to an existing wired-Ethernet network or routers provide connectivity to
a high-speed data connection (DSL or cable modem). It also has an
omni-directional antenna to receive the data transmitted by the wireless
transceivers. Integrating PCs and Apple systems on the same network is
also possible with the 802.11g standard. The majority of wireless
network adapters used are in PCMCIA card form. But some manufacturers do
offer USB adapters or PCI format cards. The cost per card ranges from
$39 to more than $300. They are not typically sold in "do-it-yourself"
kits. Instead, everything is a la carte, allowing customers to build a
system that exactly meets their needs.
 For
businesses, the benefits of wireless technology are dramatic; we are not
using hyperbole when we assure you that it will revolutionize your
company. A wireless infrastructure makes it easier for you to adapt your
office space as your company evolves. And the productivity gains you
will reap dwarf the relatively inexpensive cost of setting up a wireless
local area network (LAN). Here are the primary benefits your business
will receive by going wireless:
- Reduced Installation Costs - It's less expensive to install
wireless access points than wiring your office with Ethernet
capabilities. Plus, you will not have to knock holes in walls to set
up your network.
- Flexibility - If your company is growing rapidly and you
need to constantly reorganize your space to accommodate ever-changing
networking configurations, wireless networking provides rapid
transition times, reduced down time and will not cost you as much as
you would have to pay to rewire your office space. By setting up a
network, you will be able to easily share devices, programs and
technology with multiple computers. You can share peripheral devices,
programs and technology to streamline your business and make it much
more efficient.
- Convenient Information Access and Increased Productivity -
Wireless delivers information access to anyone on your staff, from
anywhere in your office. Most offices that have made the transition
from wired networks to wireless systems have experienced remarkable
increases in productivity.
It's Not as Complicated as You Think!
Most people think that networking your home or small office can be
painful, with lots of wires, connections and other challenges. Plus, you
have to make everything talk to each another. Don't fret, because it's
not as much of a challenge as you might think. With most people using
Microsoft Windows operating systems, networking has been built-in since
Windows 3.11. Introduced in Windows 98, "Internet Connection Sharing" is
a standard part of the operating system, allowing one computer to share
an Internet connection with all computers on the home network. So, if
you are running Windows, you can share files, printers and resources
across your network without too much of a hassle. Following are 3 easy
steps that will allow even a novice to setup a wireless network.
Wireless Networking Made Simple
3 Easy Set Up Steps Even the Novice Can Master
1. Plan Your System - Before you dive into the wireless world,
make sure you know what lies ahead of you. Make a thorough analysis of
your networking needs, what you need to accomplish, and what you expect
to receive as a reasonable return on your investment. Assess your
networking needs; determine how many workstations you'll need to connect
and where you can best utilize them. Also, take an inventory of what
upgrades you will have to make to your existing computer equipment and
decide what equipment you will need to purchase. These are the types of
devices required for your wireless network:
- Wireless Access Point - This is the
"controller" of your wireless network. There are two types of access
points - hardware access points and "integrated" access points.
Hardware access points are used as an extension of an existing wired
network. "Integrated" access points also provide the features of a
router, and are connected to a high-speed connection (i.e.: DSL or
cable modem. Access points generally can serve at least 50 users, so
exceeding the connection limits is rarely an issue. Remember that when
you are networking, your connection is shared with all active users.
Having an 11, 22, 72, 108 Mbps network connection does not make your
Internet connection "faster," however, it will allow faster data
transmission between the users on the same wireless network. So, if
you are planning on copying a bunch of files from your bedroom
computer to the living room computer, or watching a video you recorded
in your living room on your bedroom computer, the data transfer speed
is great. While surfing the Internet, you may see a decrease in access
speed to the Internet if your son is downloading MP3s in his bedroom
and you are trying to watch an online video. Your wireless connection
speed will vary based upon your location (i.e. out by the pool vs.
across the room from the access point), however proper placement of
your access point can assist in providing the best service to all
areas you intend on using a wireless connection. We carry a wide-range
of wireless access points, including some which combine a multi-port
wired hub so you can utilize one device for both your wired and
wireless connections.
- PCMCIA Wireless Adapter - This is
generally used for laptops. A PCMCIA card simply plugs into your
notebook PC Card slot, and after configuration with the software
provided with the card, will connect to any detected network. Some
access points allow for configuration of security so only "allowed"
cards are provided access. This will alleviate any problems if your
neighbor decides to ride on your Internet service for free once they
see you using the Internet out by your pool. Desktop PCs can also be
connected to a wireless network by using an inexpensive PCMCIA-to-PCI
adapter, which allow for fast, easy connection of a desktop PC through
the use of an internal adapter card that the PCMCIA card slides into.
- Compact Flash Wireless Network Adapters
- If you have a handheld device, which includes a CF Type II slot, you
can connect it to your wireless network using a Compact Flash Wireless
Network adapter.
- USB Wireless Adapter
-Great for use with desktop PCs, a USB wireless adapter allows
you to connect your system to the wireless network without installing
any adapter cards or opening your PC whatsoever. These are a
convenient and easy way to add wireless networking to an existing PC
in your home. Additionally, based on user feedback, an external USB
device has better reception than an internal PCMCIA card in the back
of your computer, as you can move it around for the best reception.
- "Wired" And "Wireless" Together -
"You can actually build a network comprised of Integrated access
points, for both wired and wireless communications. Why would you want
this? Well, let's say that you have the ability to run wire for the
systems in your home. The cost is less per computer (an Ethernet NIC
runs about $10.00 and the cable anywhere from $5-10) and you may have
them easily accessible via cable. There are many mixed-mode devices,
or "Gateways" available. For our full selection of Integrated Access
Points. This device allows you to connect to a high-speed Internet
connection (via the WAN port) and up to three wired devices (on the
Ethernet ports) and up to 253 devices via the wireless access point
built into the unit. This allows you to have standard desktops
connecting with roaming notebooks and other devices where wiring is
just not possible.
In summary, if you want to run a network in your home or office, it
really isn't that tough! Pick the right parts to your network "puzzle"
and get the best deal available. They'll work together and you'll make
better use of ALL your resources
 2.
Setting Up Your System - Now that you have a plan in place that
defines exactly what your equipment needs will be, how you will
configure your network and what goals you expect to accomplish with
wireless technology, it's time to set up your network. Before you take
this step (don't worry, it's much easier than it seems), you must
develop a good working understanding of the equipment involved in a
wireless network. Wireless LAN equipment consists of wireless clients -
the notebook computers, printers or handheld devices that can
communicate over a wireless LAN - and access points, which are the
points that accept the wireless radio signals and then connect the LANs.
Your access point is the central communications point for your
computers. These
Now it's time to build the wireless LAN! Again, don't panic - you
will be amazed how simple it is. Here is what you have to do:
- Determine how many people will use your network; this will tell
you how many access points you will need.
- Choose a central location for your LAN connection. If possible,
this should be in an open environment to maximize your wireless range.
Walls, cables, pipe, etc. within your existing environment can
compromise your range.
- Configure your wireless network to work with your network.
- Test your installation before going live. With link test software
you can find out what percent of your data is being sent correctly,
how much time it takes to receive a response from the destination
device, how the strength of the transmitted signal.
- Establish a protocol for managing your wireless LAN.
3. Implement security measures to protect the integrity of your
wireless network - Remember, wireless communications transmit through
the air rather than over a closed capable. Therefore, maintaining
security over your system requires measures that are specific to
wireless. Wireless security solutions include Media Access Control
(MAC), WEP encryption and Traditional VPN (Virtual Private Network)
securities controls. Following are brief summaries of these solutions:
- MAC - Media Access Control restricts network access by
unauthorized devices by assigning each network card a unique hardware
identification number.
- WEP Encryption - A software algorithm that scrambles outgoing data
and unscrambles it when it is received, maintaining its integrity
while en route.
- Traditional VPN (Virtual Private Network) security controls -
Allows users outside your system to gain access to your network. VPNs
encrypt data prior to transmission over a wireless link, ensuring data
security even if it is intercepted. VPNs are particularly critical
when you are using a public hot spot.
Three simple steps - that's
all it takes to join the wireless revolution - along with a relatively
small investment in new technology that you will recoup many times with
your exponentially improved efficiency and streamlined operation. We
have the expertise, incomparable product line and unparalleled pricing
to help you become experience all the advantages of benefits of wireless
technology.
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