WLANs

   Current popular WLAN technologies tend to follow one of the three main Wi-Fi communication standards. The benefits of wireless networking depend on the standards employed:

• • 802.11b was the first standard to be widely used in WLANs.

  • The 802.11a standard was faster but more expensive than 802.11b; 802.11a is more commonly found in business networks.

  • The newer standards, 802.11g, and n, attempt to combine the best of both 802.11a and 802.11b, and g, though it too n is more expensive home networking option.

Installation

WiFi networks can be configured in different ways:

• • "Ad hoc" mode allows wireless devices to communicate in peer-to-peer mode with each other, is rarely a solution used.

  • "Infrastructure" mode allows wireless devices to communicate with a central node Access Point (AP) that in turn can communicate with other wired or wireless nodes on that LAN.

Most LANs require infrastructure mode to access the Internet, a local printer, or other wired services, whereas ad hoc mode supports only basic file sharing between wireless devices.

Both WiFi modes require wireless network adapters, sometimes called WLAN cards.  These are not aircards. The Access Point should be installed in a central location where wireless radio signals (Cell) can reach it with minimal interference. Although WiFi signals variably reach 100-300 feet more or less, obstructions or walls as conduits can greatly reduce or increase wireless ranges.

Cost

Wireless gear costs somewhat more than the typical equivalent wired Ethernet products. At full retail prices, wireless adapters and access points may cost three or four times as much as Ethernet cable adapters and hubs/switches, respectively. 802.11b products have dropped in price considerably with the release of 802.11g/n, and obviously, bargain sales can be found, usually at reduced device capability.

Reliability

Wireless LANs can suffer a few more reliability problems than wired LANs, though perhaps not enough to be a significant concern. 802.11b and 802.11g/n wireless signals are subject to interference from other appliances such as microwave ovens, cordless telephones, and garage door openers. With careful installation, the likelihood of interference can be minimized.

Wireless networking products, particularly those that implement 802.11n, are comparatively new. As with any new technology, expect it will take time for these products to mature.

Performance

Wireless LANs using 802.11b support a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 11 Mbps, roughly the same as that of old, traditional Ethernet. 802.11a and 802.11g WLANs support 54 Mbps, that is approximately one-half the bandwidth of Fast Ethernet. There are proprietary 108, 112 and the like speeds as well. Throughput is just a little more that half the maximum speed of the device. Furthermore, WiFi performance is distance and electronic noise sensitive, meaning that maximum performance will degrade on computers farther away from the AP or other communication endpoint. As more wireless devices utilize the WLAN more heavily, performance can degrade even further.

Overall, the performance of 802.11a and 802.11g/n is sufficient for Internet connection sharing and file sharing, IP Phones, but generally not sufficient for home LAN gaming, business accounting, or CAD Drafting to name a few intense applications.

The greater mobility of WLANs helps offset the performance disadvantage. Mobile computers do not need to be tied to an Ethernet cable and can more or less roam freely within the WLAN range. However, many home computers are larger desktop models, and even mobile computers must sometimes be tied to an electrical cord and outlet for power. This undermines the mobility advantage of WLANs in many homes, but an advantage from difficult wiring. AC Ethernet connection devices have yet to reach viable reliability throughout the installation site hands-on experience has shown.

Security

In theory, WLANs are less secure than wired LANs, because wireless communication signals travel through the air and can easily be intercepted, unlike hard wires for the most part. To prove their point, some engineers have promoted the practice of war-driving, that involves traveling through a residential area with WiFi equipment scanning the airwaves for open on unsecured WLANs. WLANs protect their data through different variable types of forms of Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption, which makes wireless communications reasonably as safe as wired ones when security is mitigated.

No computer network is completely secure and owners should research this topic to ensure they are aware of and comfortable with the mitigated risks. Important security considerations for WLAN users tend to not be related to whether the network is wired or wireless but rather ensuring:

• • the Internet firewall is properly configured

  • users are familiar with the danger of Internet "spoof emails" and how to recognize them

  • familiar with the concept of "spyware," malware, and how to combat it

  • visitors do not have unwanted access to the network, and the use of a DMZ WLAN

• • We do Wireless; WLANs, Repeaters, and Bridges.

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