How to Choose Wireless Network Components - Part 2
How to Choose Wireless Network Components
Network Type
Wireless networks are ideal for notebook users who want to be ultra-mobile. If you install a network based on the 802.11b standard (or the newer 802.11g standard), it will allow you to use your notebook in an ever increasing number of WiFi friendly places like libraries and cafes. Most of these don’t support 802.11a, and may never do so.
However wireless network components do have a few security drawbacks that should be noted. The security algorithm built into the 802.11b spec is vulnerable to attack. The 802.11g products are far more secure since the development of a newer standard. Their limitations in terms of range can also make a purely wireless network impractical in areas that are large, occupy several floors, or contain lots of obstructions such as doors and walls.
WiFi Speed and Range
Speed
If you want to use your network for sharing broadband Internet access, the speed of your networking technology won't matter much. All of the main standards exceed the top speed (1 to 1.5 mbps) of residential DSL or cable service in most regions. Depending on your location you may be able to get 3-mbps cable access. If you intend to move large files often between PCs on your network you will need to get the fastest network money can buy.
The fastest wireless network component standards are 802.11g and 802.11a. Both are rated at 54 mbps, but compatible components are more expensive than 802.11b versions. Since 802.11g products are aimed towards a bigger consumer market they tend to be cheaper than 802.11a devices. These are usually used in corporate situations.
In future, we can expect to see a new standard emerging: the 802.16a or WiMax. This will feature a much greater range and bandwidth.
Wireless Network Range
Remember that wireless systems speed deteriorates rapidly as you get further away from the access point or as obstacles such as doors, walls, metal objects, and ceilings intrude. Most Wi-Fi vendors claim a range of up to 300 feet but you shouldn’t rely on a range of more than about 100 to 125 feet in a typical office setup and even less at home.
Wireless range extenders increase the strength of a wireless access point's signal and increase the distance from which you can connect to a wireless network. These extenders cost upwards of $60 and up. They are read by your wireless adapter as a separate network.
Wireless Network Security
Wireless network components are vulnerable to attack since hackers don’t have to plug in to a physical port to get direct access. The encryption algorithm built into the 802.11x spec, called Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) was meant to function as effectively as the physical barrier in a wired network but the WEP is apparently just as vulnerable to attack. It would appear that improvements are in the works, in the form of yet another IEEE spec, called 802.11i.
For added security, install wireless network components like adapters that support 128-bit encryption (versus the 40-bit encryption possible with standard wireless cards) and if security is of paramount importance take extra precautions by using a virtual private network and/or effective firewall on your system.
In 2003, the IEEE standards body completed a security system called Wi-Fi Protected Access. This is intended to replace the existing WEP, and springs from the upcoming 802.11i standard.
To obtain interoperability certification from the Wi-Fi Alliance, all 802.11g products have to support WPA security. Some 11g products have Wi-Fi certification already and some are still in the process of getting certified. Certain manufacturers are creating WPA upgrades for their older 802.11b and 802.11a products.
