What is a wireless network?

A wireless network enables users to access an organisation’s servers. It also enables users to access the internet, via radio waves rather than by using traditional wires plugged into the back of a PC or laptop computer. Wireless networks are often referred to as ‘WiFi’ (Wireless Fidelity) or Wi-Fi, which is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance www.wi-fi.org).

The future of WiFi

The speed of access to the internet via WiFi has increased substantially over the past few years and this trend is set to continue. As a result, more and more organisations are using WiFi. Although in some instances, the speed requirements for their businesses need more than WiFi is currently capable of delivering. However this is rare and will change as speed is increased.

As a result, new and developing technology will enable WiFi to provide a greater range and faster download speeds to users.
 
Why wireless networks?

Wireless networks are relatively easy and inexpensive to set up and as a result can reduce the cost of a network implementation, simply because they reduce the requirement for cable or wires to be installed.

While many buildings have cabling already, a wireless network allows people to work more flexibly, especially those who may need to move from room to room or are hot-desking. It’s so much easier, for example, for an individual to carry a laptop from their desk to a presentation area without having to find and plug in to a network point.

Benefits of using a wireless network

• Relatively easy to set up - but in many instances may require some form of technical support to implement.

• In most cases, the equipment required to implement a WiFi network is inexpensive.

• The technology has the benefit of being unobtrusive. You won’t see large boxes with long antennae in every room!

• Another major benefit is that no wires are required; the overhead of cabling and installing cabling within buildings is reduced. This naturally has a positive impact on costs. It is especially important in older buildings where it might be prohibited or difficult to install cables.

• WiFi networks can be used by mobile workers who can access the network through ‘hot spots’ (*1). In some cases access may be free of charge; otherwise it may be necessary to subscribe to a roaming service.

WiFi has to conform to a set of global standards (www.wi-fi.org)

• This means that people moving from one country to another can still access a network regardless of where they are in the world.

• WiFi also enables visitors or guests to quickly and easily log onto an organisations’ network, as long as they have the correct password and login details.

Disadvantages and potential pitfalls

• Security. It is absolutely imperative that your wireless network is secured.  This means that only authorised users should be able to access your network. If this is not the case, it might be possible for a third party to use the connection, which opens users up to threat of theft or fraud. In some cases it is possible to access your network and potentially the information that is transmitted across. WiFi connectivity enables users of that service to use passwords to ensure that only users who know their details can gain access. Furthermore unauthorised access can also slow down performance. Unauthorised access is ultimately considered theft because people that do this are accessing a service that they are not paying for.

• Range. Distances of the available WiFi can be sporadic and this can be affected by the size of your company’s building and thickness of walls. It can even be affected by weather conditions and leafs on trees acting as a barrier to the signal. However, this can be resolved by using more than one transmitter.

• Some wireless adapters work on the same frequencies that may be used by other organisations. This can sometimes result in interference and poor performance. 

• Different brands of equipment may not be compatible with each other, and this can cause communication issues.

Five steps to successfully buying a wireless network

Step one

• Identify the needs of your organisation and the users. Ensure that all personnel have a PC or laptop that is able to access wireless networks.  It may be necessary to install a wireless adaptor. (*2)

Step two

• It may be a good idea to have a site-survey done by a potential supplier to ensure that the building and rooms are suitable for a wireless network (they generally are), specifically to find out whether there are any blind spots that may require a boosted signal. This will also show where the wireless router should be placed. (*3)

Step three

• Identify the right providers.

• Use Conjungo’s ‘Find a Wireless solution’ search facility on the right hand side of this page.

• Who has the experience of working a company of the right size and profile as yours?

• How many similar installations have they made?

• Ask for references – ensure that the company is capable and reliable.

• Ask to speak with a couple of their customers in order to see what benefits they have gained.

• Obtain a credit check through ICC Credit directly from your chosen supplier’s listing on Conjungo to ensure that they are financially stable.

Step four

• Request a proposal from three or four of your preferred suppliers.

Step five

• Select a proposal.
• Who best demonstrates that they understand your requirements?
• Is the solution flexible and scaleable and therefore able to meet future demand? You don’t want to find out later that by investing a little more money now you could have saved money later.
• How will your potential supplier support and maintain your system afterwards?
• How much will this cost?
• Have you spoken to a couple of your preferred suppliers’ customers?
• Agree on financial terms – you may be required to pay a deposit but do not pay the whole amount in advance of delivery.

Simple steps to installing a wireless network

1. It may be necessary to use your suppliers’ consultants to make any changes or modify the system in order to meet your exact requirements.

2. Make sure that all the equipment you purchase is compatible with your other equipment, sometimes using different brands of technology doesn't work as well as using the same brand.

3. Ensure that the technology is flexible and able to cope with more users as and when you add them.

4. Make sure that you have excellent coverage throughout the organisation and that there are no ‘black spots’ i.e. any areas or rooms where wireless access is not possible. It is a good idea to keep the router away from obstructions such as tall filing cabinets as this may cause interference. It may be necessary to install a wireless repeater (*4) in order to boost the signal strength.

5. You must ensure that a security system is put in place in order to ensure that only people with the right permissions can access the network. This will comprise of a code or password that only users who have permission to access the WiFi network can use.

6. As an additional safeguard, it is advisable to install some form of firewall. (link: Gounderstandfirewalls.com)

Conclusion

WiFi is most certainly the future of networks. It gives people full flexibility at home and in the office, and it also enables travelling workers to access the internet and corporate networks. This means that they can download and access vital information, quickly and inexpensively.

Glossary

*1 Hotspot. A hotspot is a designated area in a public place that enables anyone with a wireless enabled device to access the internet. These can often be found on train stations, in airports, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, etc. Some countries have extensive wireless networks that cover remote and rural areas as well.

*2 Wireless adaptor. A wireless adaptor is a device that may need to be inserted into a PC or laptop computer to allow wireless network connectivity. Most modern PCs have this pre-installed. 

*3 Wireless router. A wireless router is a device that connects to an organisations’ network and allows people with wireless-enabled PCs or laptops to connect to the network without the need for physical cables.

*4. Wireless repeater. A wireless repeater extends the range of a wires network signal. It is a device that ‘boosts’ the WiFi signal beyond normal range.

Wireless - FAQ’s

What is a wireless network?

A wireless network is a system where radio waves are used instead of cables to transmit data. 

How does it work in practice?

In practice a wireless network simply eliminates the need for cables to be plugged into the back of every PC or laptop while still allowing people to access their organisation’s computing facilities and the internet.

Do I need a wireless network?

This depends on your circumstances but generally speaking ‘yes’ it is very useful.  It is especially useful if you are moving into new offices because it will save on cabling costs and the need to trail wires everywhere!

It is also useful because it gives people an element of freedom. They are not required to be at their desks simply because that it is where their PC is plugged in. It allows people to move from office to office depending on where they are needed and for groups of people to meet in one area and continue to have access to their laptops and share information.

Is it something that I can install myself?

It can be. Many people do so at home but in an office environment it is wise to get a proper installation on the basis that the equipment needs to positioned correctly and all ‘black-spots’ or areas where the signal is not effective are eliminated.

What if my PCs or laptops are not wireless enabled?

It is possible to buy a wireless network card or an adaptor that simply plugs into a USB port to allow for wireless connectivity.

What do I need to look out for when purchasing a wireless network?

Make sure that you purchase equipment that is fully compatible with your existing equipment. 

The best approach is to buy a single manufacturers’ equipment, because not all brands communicate with each other. It’s also a good idea to allow your supplier to conduct a site-survey in order to ensure that all areas or offices have wireless access. 

How do I find the right vendors and partners?

Conjungo [link] is a great starting point because it will let you search for a supplier according to your location, company type, size and whether they have the right accreditations. Furthermore, Conjungo is completely unbiased, lists most of the major vendors’ resellers and it is free to use.

What else do I need to consider when I purchase a wireless network?

You need to ensure that your network is secure and that only people with permission can use it.

You also need to ensure that all parts of your organisation have wireless access (or as required). These are some of the many reasons why it’s a good idea to work with a supplier as they can assist in setting up a WiFi system and reduce any potential issues.