Wireless networking standards and business implementation considerations

Wireless Network Implementation

Wireless business networks allow multiple computers to share files, software applications, printers, and a single, high speed Internet connection. Several versions of wireless systems have developed since 1998, each still useful, depending on the nature of the business and its practical requirements. Home computer users embraced wireless technology from its inception, but business users have only recently begun incorporating wireless networking recently, owing to system and information security concerns.(O'Reilly)

Whereas traditional (cabled) configurations transfer data at a rate of 100mb/sec, wireless capability generally ranges (realistically) between 5-6mb/sec and 54mb/sec. The very latest incarnation of cabled networks ("gigabyte networking") offers a 1000mb/sec rating compared to about 108mb/sec rating of the corresponding wireless "triband" systems just introduced to market within the last few months.(Briere)

Initial site surveys of this facility suggest that careful consideration is in order with respect to a tradeoff between signal strength and frequency owing to the physical layout of this facility and the type(s) of primary uses anticipated. A comprehensive review necessarily includes one version of a wired network as well, in the absence of a satisfactory balance between the relative capabilities and limitations of wireless options currently available.

In addition to system capabilities, a feasibility analysis requires a consideration of network security issues and ancillary equipment or software expenses to mitigate some of the vulnerabilities inherent to wireless communications as compared to traditional wired configurations.(O'Reilly)

Wireless Networking Options:

Standard wireless networking system were originally designated "802.11" by the nonprofit IEEE and certified by the nonprofit Wi-Fi Alliance.(Steers) Since then, three distinct

802.11 systems evolved, designated 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g, in chronological order.

All 802.11 wireless systems share common principles, but they differ in specific suitability by virtue of capability, security, cost and compatibility issues particular to each. Generally,

802.11b and 802.11g systems are most suitable for business users, primarily because 802.11a systems are incompatible with evolving technology. In some cases, otherwise obsolete

802.11a systems still represent the best choice, whereas in other cases, a non-wireless

alternative relying on the electrical wiring infrastructure of the facility is better suited to business requirements than any wireless 802.11 system currently available.

1. 802.11(b)

Prior to 2003, 802.11b technology represented the only real wireless option since its introduction to market approximately four years earlier. Transmitting along a microwave frequency of 2.4 Mhz, it is rated at a data transfer rate of 11mb/sec, but realistically, 5 or

6 mb/sec is a more accurate estimate. Similarly, hardware specifications list a 150-foot indoor range and a 300-foot maximum outdoor range between base station and network terminals, but background radio signal interference, wall layout and building materials are factors contributing to a more realistic working range of about half that distance.(Steers)

Therefore, a site survey is crucial before selecting an 802.11b system, both to determine suitability, as well as to ensure optimal placement of the access point, since degradation of signal strength corresponds to dramatically decreased data transfer rates.(Steers)

802.11b hardware includes a wireless "router" or base station which connects directly to the high-speed modem, DSL, or cable modem. Each network desktop computer requires a USB port adapter, while networked laptops require a wireless PCMCIA card. 802.11b

routers are available at an approximate cost of $100, and USB adapters or PCMCIA cards priced about half that, per unit. Users report that laptops featuring built-in, fully integrated

PCI cards offer slightly better range than after-market addition of PCMCIA wireless cards, for about the same added cost.(Steers) In late 2003, Intel introduced the Centrino microprocessor chip, which is specifically designed for full integration within the laptop power system to extend battery life significantly.

Prior to 2003, wireless network users requiring data transfer rates exceeding the maximum capabilities of 802.11b technology for sharing large files or complex applications

(such as graphic design firms), and those requiring extensive printing among multiple terminals (such as accounting firms), were relegated to wired networking systems. Early 2003

saw the introduction of 5.4 Mhz 802.11a technology, which offers extended signal range and correspondingly faster data transmission capabilities.

A device called a "repeater" came out a few months later, enabling 802.11b users to boost their 2.4 Mhz signal, as an alternative to the newer and more expensive 802.11a

hardware in appropriate physical environments and under certain technical requirements that would otherwise absolutely require either wired networking or costly upgrades to 802.11a

equipment, which is incompatible with 802.11b software and equipment.

2. 802.11(a)

In 2003, 802.11a systems opened up wireless networking to business operations whose requirements exceeded the capabilities of the prior state of the art. Implementation concerns are similar to 802.11b systems, with both routers and adapters costing about 30%

Innovative techniques like Packet Bursting, Fast Framing, Multi-Channel

Broadcasting, and Select Mode allow the wireless transmission of tremendously large video files as well as the transfer of files from PC to DVD hardware.(D-Link) 802.11g

implementation requires routers and adapters that are approximately twice the cost of their 802.11b and 802.11a counterparts, because the technology is so new.

Perhaps the most significant improvement offered by upgrading to 802.11g is the increased level of data security afforded by Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) data encryption mode, replacing the readily exploitable Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP)

employed by earlier wireless routers. In our situation, data security is of paramount importance, to the extent that even 802.11g might be insufficiently safe. Even data

protected by the more secure WPA encryption is more vulnerable during wireless transmission than during traditional wired transmission.

Another significant feature of the newest 802.11g systems is Virtual Private

Networking (VPN), which allows users to access the network system remotely, from home or the road. This is particularly valuable where users require remote access to server-based applications, and it also allows remote file sharing with the system as well as between and among multiple users. (D-Link)

Since 802.11g systems are so new, it is likely that subsequent improvements will result in continued technological evolution, while prices come down, as has always been the case, from past experiences with new PC hardware systems. Presently, 802.11g routers and adapters are approximately twice as expensive as 802.11b and 802.11a system components.

In light of relative cost factors and data security issues, it may be that an alternative to any wireless option is preferable for our needs at the present time.

HomePlug-PowerLine Networking:

There is a fourth option that does not rely on any wireless technology at all. Rather, it employs existing electrical wiring to create an internal (with respect to our facility) network connecting all computer terminals (and laptops) to a single Internet connection, and to each other, as well, using existing electrical infrastructure instead of any installed cabling or wireless transmissions.

HPPL networks require only that all components of the system be plugged into the same electrical circuit. The necessary hardware consists only of a "bridge" to the Internet

access point (roughly $100) and adapter cards for each user computer terminal (also about

$100 apiece).

The primary advantage to HPPL over any 802.11 wireless system currently available is that HPPL networks are even more secure and impervious to hackers than the safest wireless encryption, since there is no airborne signal capable of being intercepted at all. In our situation, this consideration militates heavily in favor of HPPL, especially since data transmission rates are not subject to the comparatively limited speed offered by 2.4 Mhz and

5.4 Mhz wireless microwave signals, respectively.

Whereas our wireless accessibility site survey revealed numerous extraneous sources of signal drain and other (typical) electromagnetic interference of indeterminable origin, our more recent electrical system survey suggests that we can accommodate a stable HPPL

system on the necessary single circuit. Given the limitations of 802.11b systems to support our anticipated data transfer requirements and the natural physical impediments compromising the effective range of the 802.11a alternative, the HPPL option seems preferable, even without the additional security benefit of avoiding microwave data transmission.

Conclusion:

At this preliminary juncture, our wireless site accessibility survey and electrical system survey suggest that HPPL is preferable to implementation of either 802.11b or

802.11a component systems. Our data transfer requirements exceed the operational limits of

5.4 Mhz system and the idiosyncrasies of our physical facility precludes the use of older 2.4

Mhz-based systems .

The newest 802.11g systems and their associated amplification hardware might solve both issues, but the data security concern might be prohibitive as far as any wireless system is concerned. Ultimately, the decision will ride on the comparative importance of the data security issue and the remote networking capability of the newest 802.11g systems offering the VPN feature.

In the final analysis, we must await a detailed security analysis to determine whether any wireless networking system is feasible. Once the matter is cleared by internal data security analysts, then the matter will depend almost exclusively on the practical value of remote networking to our operations.

If remote networking is deemed to justify the expense of its initial implementation and possible subsequently upgrades as future wireless technology evolves, then 802.11g is a viable transition into wireless networking. Conversely, if security issues preclude wireless networking or remote networking capability is not sufficiently valuable to warrant the expense, then HPPL is preferable to any wireless system.