With the growing popularity of wireless mobile devices in the work place, the importance of wireless network bandwidth and wireless network security has also grown. In this edition of this two part series, we will be examining the basic wireless network infrastructure such as bandwidth, client connections, and device placement.
Wireless Access Points (WAPs) are not all created equal, but they all have many factors in common, one of which is “Bandwidth”. When I speak of bandwidth, I am referring to how much signal can be made available to each connected device and the speed at which the connected device can transfer data across the network. Most people have heard of “Wireless G” and “Wireless N”, but it important to understand how either of them impact the network.
Wireless G has a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps (Mega-bits per second), and Wireless N has a maximum data rate of 600 Mbps. Wireless G is being phased out now, and Wireless N has become the new standard. Wireless N does however maintain backward compatibility with all Wireless G mobile devices. It is important to keep in mind that all WAPs connect back to a network switch. The bandwidth of the network switch plays an integral part of the backbone of the network infrastructure. For instance, if you have a 10/100 Mbps switch and plugged in a Wireless G Access Point, the access point and the switch would both be able to route network traffic at their maximum bandwidth. However, if you were to plug in a Wireless N Access Point into that same switch, the network traffic for the Wireless N AP would max out at 100 Mbps. This would mean that the Wireless N AP would not be able to route wireless traffic at its full 600 Mbps capacity because it is “bottlenecked” by the limitations of the 100 Mbps switch. In cases like these, it is recommended to upgrade the switch to “Gigabit” or 10/100/1000 Mbps. Wired and wireless devices can benefit from a Gigabit switch as the backbone of the network.
Wireless Access Points all have a maximum number of client connections. For this very reason, it is important to take a good look at the number of devices that will connect to any individual WAP regardless of how many are installed throughout the site. The number of client connections can vary drastically from model to model, and even brand to brand. For the last few years, The Computer Center has been utilizing primarily Cisco wireless equipment. There are many reasons for this decision which include flexibility, durability, expandability, dependability, security, network segregation (Guest Networks), and much more. Cisco has wireless products that can be utilized in the small and medium sized businesses as well as fully managed systems for large enterprise installations.
Device placement is another important factor to consider. All things are not created equal and neither is the structure of one office or building to another. In the wireless world everything you see, and some things that you don’t, can cause interference with the wireless radio signal. Building materials, office/site layout, fire blocking, electromagnetic pulse from other electrical devices are just a few examples. It is wise to have a qualified network engineer come to your site and perform a wireless site survey. This is equally important whether you are setting up a new office, during construction or remodeling, or expanding the connectivity of an existing site. During the site survey the engineer will explore the site with testing equipment, discuss the needs of the network, and identify key locations for the optimal placement of the wireless equipment. The engineer may also discuss network switching and the possibility of Power over Ethernet for your location as well as any possible future expansions for a phased installation.
As you can see, there is quite a bit to consider when investing in a wireless network, but there are also many benefits such as expandability, mobility, and productivity. The key to having a stable wireless network is to consider the current and future needs of the business and discuss it with a qualified professional. The Network Engineers at The Computer Center would be happy to meet with you to discuss your business’s needs… now and in the future.
In my next segment of this two part series, we will explore the importance of Wireless Network Security. Please join me while we examine common security vulnerabilities, data encryption for secure connectivity, and network segregation for guest access.
Michael Arnold
Senior Network Engineer, The Computer Center