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- Jeffrey D. Bombell, American Computer Technologies
2. Agenda
- Introduction to Wireless Technologies
- Wireless Networking Overview
- Non-Technical considerations
- Other Comparable Technologies
3. What is Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi is an abbreviation for Wireless Fidelity and a catch all
phrase for the several different standards and recommendations that
comprise wireless networking .
- Wi-Fi enables the user to deploy a computer network without
needing to run cable throughout the facility.
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b 4. Standards
- IEEE 802.11.b 2.4GHz 11Mbps
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b International standard for
wireless networking that operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency range
(2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz) and provides a throughput of up to 11 Mbps
with a range of just over 300 feet indoors.This is a very commonly
used frequency.Microwave ovens, cordless phones, medical and
scientific equipment, as well as Bluetooth devices, all work within
the 2.4 GHz frequency band. 5. Standards
- IEEE 802.11.b 2.4GHz 11Mbps
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b 802.11b enables transfers of
up to 11 Mbps.Comparable to 10BaseT in speeds, 802.11b is the most
common wireless standard deployed today.In comparison T1 speeds are
1.54Mbps and DSL is normally in the 640Kbps range. Most deployments
of Wireless utilize 802.11b 6. Standards
- IEEE 802.11.a 5GHz 11Mbps
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b International standardfor
wireless networking that operates in the 5 GHz frequency range
(5.725 GHz to 5.850 GHz) with a maximum 54 Mbps data transfer rate.
The 5 GHz frequency band is not as crowded as the 2.4 GHz
frequency, because the 802.11a specification offers more radio
channels than the 802.11b. These additional channels can help avoid
radio and microwave interference.Cost of 802.11a equipment is
approximately twice that of 802.11b and current deployment is
limited. 7. Standards
- IEEE 802.11.b 2.4GHz 11Mbps
- IEEE 802.11.a 5GHz 54 Mbps
- IEEE 802.11g 2.4Ghz Hybrid 11/54Mbps
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- 802.11g is in the final stages of development.The current draft
(V5.0) is open for comments until January 8, 2003.
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b 8. Limitations
- 300 ft. effective range from access point
- Interference from other devices such as cordless phones.
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b 9. Security Overview
- WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b 10. Applications
- Any application currently used on a traditional wired network
can be used on a wireless network.
- New applications may be available or can be developed to take
advantage of wireless, such as Wireless PDA access to a card
catalog.
Introduction to Wireless /802.11b 11. Agenda
- Introduction to Wireless Technologies
- Wireless Networking Overview
12. Wireless Network Components
- NICs Network Interface Cards
Wireless Networking Overview 13. Connecting To a Legacy
Network
- Access Points connect the wireless network to the legacy
network.
Wireless Networking Overview 14. Security(Encryption, Content
Filtering, Privacy, etc.)
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- A safe practice is to create two separate networks.A private
network for day to day business and a network for public
access.Both can be wireless.These networks can talk to one another
through a proxy server that will protect the private network from
malicious attacks via the public network.
Wireless Networking Overview 15. Security(Encryption, Content
Filtering, Privacy, etc.)
- Encryption on the pubic network can be used but would create
administrative overhead.Encryption keys would have to be changed
regularly and anyone using their own laptop would have to be given
the key.
- Encryption works best in a network that does not allow people
to use their own laptops.
- Encryption increases privacy, but can be thwarted, either by
software, or by gaining access to a PC configured with wireless and
writing down the key.
Wireless Networking Overview 16. Security(Encryption, Content
Filtering, Privacy, etc.)
- Content Filtering & Proxy Servers
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- Web content filtering that has generally been software on the
desktop would have to be handled by a server if people are allowed
to use their own laptops.
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- Proxy servers allow you to control what information people have
access to.This is a good practice anyway, allowing you to control
at a global level what information travels over your network.It
also allows you to track usage.
Wireless Networking Overview 17. Security(Encryption, Content
Filtering, Privacy, etc.)
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- Wireless does not add any additional threat in the way of
viruses.
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- Anyone, anywhere can attack a network that is connected to the
Internet.Wireless does not increase that chance.Security measures
such as firewalls, can reduce the risk.
Wireless Networking Overview 18. Environment Assessment
- Look at the structure of your building.
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- Steel, Concrete, Stone, Glass
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- Open w/ few walls or many separate rooms?
- Current technologies used
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- Do you use a 2.4 GHz cordless phone?Does it work throughout
your environment?
Wireless Networking Overview 19. Agenda
- Introduction to Wireless Technologies
- Wireless Networking Overview
- Non-Technical considerations
20. Why Deploy Wireless?
- Cost savings over wireline.
- Can not run wire to locations needed.
- To enable patrons to bring their own laptop, therefore reducing
the cost of owning many PCs.
- To enable you to easily move PCs.
- To be on the leading edge.
Non-Technical Considerations 21. Cost
- 802.11b Wireless Access Points start around $130.00 for basic
connectivity and run up to $500.00 for more management
features.
- 802.11b Network Interface Cards (NICs) cost between $50-$100
and come in USB, PCI, PCMCIA and CompactFlash versions.
Non-Technical Considerations 22. The A-B-Gs of Wireless
- Which standard is right for you?
Non-Technical Considerations
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- New technology - Available late 2003
23. Security Planning
- Develop a Security Plan.It should include:
- What are your special security needs?
- What known vulnerabilities exist?
- How to safe guard against the risks?
- How do you recover from a security breech?
Non-Technical Considerations 24. Virtual Hours
- Your wireless network may not stop at your door.This means
anyone can access your network after hours by sitting outside with
a laptop.
Non-Technical Considerations 25. Where to Start Non-Technical
Considerations
- Assess current security and future needs.
26. Agenda
- Introduction to Wireless Technologies
- Wireless Networking Overview
- Non-Technical considerations
- Other Comparable Technologies
27. Wireline Other Comparable Technologies If you have a network
installed today, wireline is what you.Does it satisfy your
needs?There is not reason to abandon your current infrastructure
for wireless if wireline currently serves all your needs.If it
serves some, but not all of your needs, Wireless may be a good
supplement. 28. HPNA Other Comparable Technologies HPNA is Phone
Line Networking.HPNA allows you to transmit data over normal phone
lines at the same time you use that phone for voice calls and DSL.
HPNA v2.0 runs at 10Mbps over a standard phone line.V3.0 is coming
soon and delivers 100Mbps.If you currently have a lot of phone
lines running through your facility this may be an option to
consider. 29. Bluetooth 802.15 Other Comparable Technologies
Bluetooth is the standard for wireless personal area networks or
WPAN.It allows high speed transmission of data over very short
distances.Bluetooth is normally used for transferring data between
laptops, or in Internet Kiosk type applications where roaming is
not needed. 30. Agenda
- Introduction to Wireless Technologies
- Wireless Networking Overview
- Non-Technical considerations
- Other Comparable Technologies