When locating access points, system designers often use the availability of AC (alternating current) electrical outlets to base decisions on where to install access points. In some cases, companies only locate access points near AC outlets and within reach of a typical six foot electrical cord. Or, they'll look for a convenient location to install new outlets at points where it's suitable to run conduit and mount outlet boxes. All of these situations limit the location of access points and can incur significant costs if new outlets must be installed.

It's very important to define requirements at the beginning of the project. If you don't do this, you'll likely install a solution that doesn't fully meet the needs of users or effectively interface with other systems. You need to get this right the first time because it's difficult and costly to re-engineer the solution once it's already in place.

When deploying wireless LANs, most people begin the project by jumping into technical matters, such as deciding upon which version of 802.11 to use, which vendor to select, and how to overcome the limitations of 802.11 security. These are important elements of implementing a wireless LAN; however prior to getting too far with the project, you must give careful attention to requirements analysis and design in order to end up with an effective solution.

Wireless LANs are proliferating in homes and small offices, but users are not implementing them properly. Learn some interesting statistics and best practices for deploying secure wireless LANs in SOHO environments.