|
Wi-Fi - Another Wrench in the Network Admin's Tool Box |
|
|
|
|
Written by OJ Jonasson
|
|
Tuesday, 06 November 2007 |
|
Network architects and administrators now have another option that can be far less costly and complex for network moves, adds and changes (MACs) with the advances in Wi-Fi technology. Rather than ordering up more CAT5 runs, network administrators can now install a wireless card in desktops (if not already equipped) and connect to the enterprise wirelessly. No cabling headaches, no location restrictions, no spare Ethernet ports in the switch to worry about nor the usual delays for related construction work. Just instant gratification. This not to suggest the wholesale replacement of your existing copper forest with wireless links. Rather, it’s an opportunity to make sensible use of the right link layer technology to satisfy the requirements of the MAC request, i.e. necessary bandwidth, security requirements, service delivery time, network reliability, temporary versus permanent, potential environmental factors such as building restrictions and, of course, cost. It’s not a matter of which technology is best, rather it’s making the right choice in the circumstance. Wi-Fi simply adds one more option for LAN connection. A major and complementing factor, 2005 was the first year that notebooks outpaced desktop shipments and virtually all notebooks today ship with 802.11 capability built in. Fortuitously, it is the notebook user that Wi-Fi appeals to since they are typically transient or mobile workers who need portability and network connectivity on the run. Access to the corporate network for e-mail, viewing the contents of personal folders, running applications as well as Internet access can all be securely delivered through a Wi-Fi link. While speed and distance have been an issue, the advent of 802.11n has helped overcome these limitations with distances now up to 70 meters and speeds up to 300 Mbps. Far and away a significant improvement over the older 802.11b distance and speed limitations of 35 meters and 11 Mbps. While the 802.11n is still in draft form, the Wi-Fi Alliance has certified more than 95 vendor products to the 802.11n Draft 2.0 level. An abundance of choices to satisfy even the most discerning buyer, i.e. the vendor biased versus the need for guaranteed interoperability. From the user perspective, Wi-Fi means freedom. Users are able to roam from their private offices to a conference room or even move from floor-to-floor without the need to log off the network – a very nice convenience and with a genuine productivity gain. For the enterprise Wi-Fi offers enhanced flexibility, increased worker productivity and improved customer service that can potentially lead to increased revenues. Wi-Fi is not just another wrench in the network admin’s tool box, it’s an option with major, tangible benefits across the entire enterprise. Some final words of advice: i.) be sure to properly architect and plan out your Wi-Fi network needs before any deployment; and ii.) utilize only Wi-Fi Alliance certified equipment that is industrial strength and . Contact the Author: OJ Jonasson, CMC, CISSP, CWSP, SCSE is an independent Information Technology expert. OJ can be reached by e-mail and his web site.
|
|
