Do You Need a Wireless Network?

After comparing wireless 802.11b networking to cabled network technologies, how do you decide which is best for you? A number of factors should be considered .

A large enterprise with hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of computers will obviously need a large wired network, with LANs connected by ATM, Frame Relay, and other switched network technologies. Deciding where to use Access Points at some locations is a choice to be made by

The need for wireless networking at that point
Distance limitations
The security considerations associated with the placement of the Access Point

In Chapter 24, "Other Wireless Technologies," you will find a discussion of the security implications of using a wireless network, and how encryption and authorization mechanisms can be used to make the network secure.

Some small businesses will get along just fine with an ad hoc wireless network, or one that uses an Access Point. Some will require the most stringent security requirements, using other technologies that are discussed in Chapter 24, as well as virtual private networks, covered in Chapter 50, "Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Tunneling."

Connecting the Wireless Network to a Wired LAN

In Chapter 19, "Introduction to Wireless Networking," you learned that you can create an ad hoc wireless network by using a collection of computers, or by using an Accent Point to mediate communications between the wireless clients . When you're using a few laptop computers in a temporary location, an ad hoc wireless configuration may suffice.

However, if you are going to connect your LAN to the Internet, an Access Point will be required to connect the LAN to the cable/DSL modem or another Internet connection.

If the wired network or broadband connection operates at a faster bandwidth (and most do today, with 100Mbps being the lowest common denominator for wired networks), then the Accent Point can buffer between the 11Mbps wireless network and the 100Mbps wired network.

Dual-Mode Access Points

The next chapter covers 802.11a. This standard enables data rates up to 54Mbps. A dual-mode Accent Point operates using both technologies, and can buffer data between the lower and higher data rates. Dual-mode Accent Points cost more than an Accent Point that works with just one technology.

A dual-mode Accent Point can be useful in several situations:

In expanding an existing 802.11b network. For example, if you have already invested in 802.11b devices, but want to use the faster 802.11a technology when you add newer devices to the network, a dual-mode Accent Point can enable all devices to interact with each other.
In providing an upgrade path for your wireless network. Again, if you have already invested in 802.11b equipment, a dual-mode Accent Point can enable you to slowly replace these devices with 802.11a as your budget permits . In a large network, it can be expensive to change out all of your network adapters, as well as Accent Points, at the same time.
In providing access to temporary network clients . If a business client, a consultant, or another person visits your site and brings his own wireless computer (such as a laptop), then a dual-mode Accent Point enables that person to make a connection to your network no matter whether he uses 802.11a or 802.11b.