Why Wireless Networks Are Inevitable

If the previous considerations did not convince you that wireless is going to play an important part in your future, consider some of the more useful applications that wireless can be used for. As with a typical purchase of computer/network equipment, it's the applications that drive the purchases, especially in a business environment. As more hardware is created and security is improved, wireless technology will become as commonplace as the standard 100Mbps switched LAN is today.

Laptop computers provided the first true mobility for computer users. Linking these powerful platforms to a computer network can be accomplished easily by means of either a PC-card network adapter or a docking station. By using DHCP to assign network configuration information, it's easy to move a portable computer from one location to another, and still provide a simple connection to the network. However, until the advent of wireless network connectivity, this kind of mobility still depended on a wired connection of some sort . If your network takes advantage of wireless networking, the mobility and usefulness of the notebook computer are increased dramatically.

For a technology to grow, it must solve some kind of problem. That is, it must be useful in some way. As described previously in the discussion of the types of devices that now use wireless networking, the most obvious benefit this kind of networking provides is mobility. Wireless LANs are now quickly becoming a mainstay networking infrastructure for many SOHO networks as well as home networks where multiple computers may share a single Internet connection. Other benefits that you might get from wireless networking include the following:

• Faster installation when compared to cabled networks. Just configure the network adapter (and Access Point if you have one) and start networking with others.

• Adaptability in a dynamic environment.

• The capability of sharing an Internet or other WAN connection.

• The continuing development of new electronic devices (or newer versions) that use wireless technology, such as PDAs.

• With the widespread deployment of wireless Access Points that are being constructed in public places, you will soon be able to access the Internet from most any place that has a sizable population.

• Reduced costs in many situations ”for example, to avoid having to install cabling throughout a building.

One caveat to keep in mind is that with wireless networking, security is a big issue. You'll find out more about the standard Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security that was first developed for IEEE 802.11b networks, as well as newer security techniques that have been recently developed, in Chapter 24.

In a typical LAN setup, it is necessary to install and configure the networking software on the client computer and provide the wiring from the network switch to the user 's work area. With a wireless LAN, you only need to install the wireless NIC and configure the computer's networking software.

You don't have to string cables through the building for each user. In an environment that changes rapidly , this can be an advantage. For example, point-of-sale terminals in a large store can be reconfigured easily for seasonal adjustments, such as the end-of-the-year Christmas buying spree. In a warehouse, the floor layout might change during the year for similar kinds of reasons. Relocating computers is much easier when there are no cabling issues to deal with. After the initial investment is made in wireless LAN devices, the capability to reconfigure the physical network topology can result, in many cases, in reduced costs over time.

An ad hoc network or temporary setup (see the following list) is another important aspect. For example, if you are in the consulting business and need to have several consultants exchange information, you can use wireless networking to set up your own local network and bypass your customer's wired network. Knowing this allows your client to worry less about security than if the client has to go through the typical paperwork and other management functions to get your consulting team connected to the company network.

In addition to these kinds of environments, you will find wireless LANs increasingly being used in situations such as the following:

• Hospitals ” Patient information can be obtained easily using a laptop computer or, more likely today, a specialized terminal made just for that kind of job. Instead of having to return to a central location, such as the nurse's station on the hospital floor, doctors and nurses can get information quickly as they make their patient rounds.

• Older buildings ” In some cases, it can be difficult to wire the premises for a traditional network. Some older buildings that do not have plenum areas in the ceiling can be difficult to adapt. Using wireless communications makes networking in this kind of environment an easy task.

• Temporary setups ” This feature was mentioned in the introductory paragraph to this list. You can extend it further to such situations as a trade show, where the network usually is set up for only a few days; the computers can be configured ahead of time so that the only thing your company representative has to do is turn them on.

• Warehouse and factory floors ” Laptop computers and handheld bar-code scanners that use wireless LAN technology can quickly return the investment needed for their implementation. In this kind of situation, however, it is important to test the equipment first to ensure that no other machines or devices in the area can interfere with the wireless transmissions.

Caution

In a discussion of the applications of wireless networking, the dialogue should not be limited to computers. As data collection devices, such as bar-code scanners, or handheld data-entry terminals, such as cash registers, are equipped with wireless networking connections, many more practical uses for wireless communications will develop in the next few years .

However, you should consider that when making a transaction at this type of service, you can't be sure of what kind of security is in place. If simple WEP security is used (see Chapter 24), with a small key (40 bits), then it is a simple matter for a hacker to use tools freely available on the Internet to intercept these communications.

Before you give your credit card to a cashier, you might want to find out from the store manager what kind of wireless technology is being used to ensure your privacy. You should also check your credit (or debit) card statement each month to be sure your information has not been compromised!