Wireless LAN Technology and Network Implementation  

Testing

I installed a combined wired and wireless network.  My existing network on one floor was pre-wired.  I needed to go wireless to get network connections to the second floor.  My tests were conducted using the combination of the built-in signal strength meters, a speed test available Toast.net, and FTP files.

Signal strength on the ground floor remained excellent even on rooms with the doors closed; good performance was maintained into the yard, over 70 feet away.

The real trick was the second floor.  I found that, as I climbed the stairs, signal strength decreased with every step.  On the second floor, I measured signal strength to be poor with the computer positioned at tabletop height.

I found that my PCMCIA card did not function on the second floor at most locations – even directly above the access-point router.  The simple solution for me was to use the USB wireless adapter and place it on the floor.

I found that my paper, hands, and different work conditions could cause me to block the antenna of the PCMCIA card, but the USB connector allowed me to find a strong signal point and to place the antenna outside of the work location.

Security

Much has been written about wireless security.  The use of spread spectrum with optional encryption makes 802.11b semi-secure.  In my test network, I placed my access point 40 feet away from my client computer.  I placed an eavesdropping computer in the same network, and I was able to use Ethereal Packet Analyzer to capture and display packets.  Some of the packets were readable, but for the most part, packets containing client data was not translatable.  With the use of the optional encryption keying, more security can be provided. It is recommended that the encryption key be as long as the software allows.

In all cases, when radio waves are transmitted, they are free to be intercepted by anyone with the desire and technology to do so.  As a home user, or even as a small business enterprise, the benefits of wireless LANs may outweigh their risks. However, if you are concerned, however, about total computer and LAN security, then wireless may not be the right choice for you.

Interoperability

With four existing standards, you may want some assurance regarding interoperability. Manufacturers are hearing this question: "Why invest in 802.11 and wireless when the standards are always changing?"

To avert these fears, many manufacturers are developing access points that operate on dual band. These access points can be further developed to eventually accommodate all wireless standards.

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