Wireless Networking

Agenda
Introduction to Wireless Technologies Wireless Networking Overview Non-Technical considerations Other Comparable Technologies Q&A

Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

What is Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is an abbreviation for Wireless Fidelity and a catch all phrase for the several different standards and recommendations that comprise wireless networking. Wi-Fi enables the user to deploy a computer network without needing to run cable throughout the facility.

Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Standards
IEEE 802.11.b 2.4GHz 11Mbps
International standard for wireless networking that operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency range (2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz) and provides a throughput of up to 11 Mbps with a range of just over 300 feet indoors. This is a very commonly used frequency. Microwave ovens, cordless phones, medical and scientific equipment, as well as Bluetooth devices, all work within the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Standards
IEEE 802.11.b 2.4GHz 11Mbps
802.11b enables transfers of up to 11 Mbps. Comparable to 10BaseT in speeds, 802.11b is the most common wireless standard deployed today. In comparison T1 speeds are 1.54Mbps and DSL is normally in the 640Kbps range. Most deployments of Wireless utilize 802.11b

Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Standards
IEEE 802.11.a 5GHz 11Mbps
International standard for wireless networking that operates in the 5 GHz frequency range (5.725 GHz to 5.850 GHz) with a maximum 54 Mbps data transfer rate. The 5 GHz frequency band is not as crowded as the 2.4 GHz frequency, because the 802.11a specification offers more radio channels than the 802.11b. These additional channels can help avoid radio and microwave interference. Cost of 802.11a equipment is approximately twice that of 802.11b and current deployment is limited.

Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Standards
IEEE 802.11.b 2.4GHz 11Mbps IEEE 802.11.a 5GHz 54 Mbps IEEE 802.11g 2.4Ghz Hybrid 11/54Mbps
802.11g is in the final stages of development. The current draft (V5.0) is open for comments until January 8, 2003.

Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Limitations
300 ft. effective range from access point

1400 ft maximum range

Structural interference Interference from other devices such as cordless phones.

Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Security Overview
WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy
40 bit vs. 128 bit Is Encryption Necessary?

Open access vs. Secured Other Security Measures

Content Filtering Network Partitioning

Introduction to Wireless /802.11b

Applications
Any application currently used on a traditional wired network can be used on a wireless network. New applications may be available or can be developed to take advantage of wireless, such as Wireless PDA access to a card catalog.

Agenda
Introduction to Wireless Technologies Wireless Networking Overview

Wireless Networking Overview

Wireless Network Components

Access Points NICs Network Interface Cards

PCMCIA USB PCI CompactFlash

Other Wireless Devices

Bridges and Routers Print Servers

PCs, Laptops, PDAs

Wireless Networking Overview

Connecting To a Legacy Network

Access Points connect the wireless network to the legacy network.

Wireless Networking Overview

Security

(Encryption, Content Filtering, Privacy, etc.)

Partition The Network

A safe practice is to create two separate networks. A private network for day to day business and a network for public access. Both can be wireless. These networks can talk to one another through a proxy server that will protect the private network from malicious attacks via the public network.

Wireless Networking Overview

Security

(Encryption, Content Filtering, Privacy, etc.)

Encryption Encryption on the pubic network can be used but would create administrative overhead. Encryption keys would have to be changed regularly and anyone using their own laptop would have to be given the key. Encryption works best in a network that does not allow people to use their own laptops. Encryption increases privacy, but can be thwarted, either by software, or by gaining access to a PC configured with wireless and writing down the key.

Wireless Networking Overview

Security

(Encryption, Content Filtering, Privacy, etc.)

Content Filtering & Proxy Servers

Web content filtering that has generally been software on the desktop would have to be handled by a server if people are allowed to use their own laptops.
Proxy servers allow you to control what information people have access to. This is a good practice anyway, allowing you to control at a global level what information travels over your network. It also allows you to track usage.

Wireless Networking Overview

Security

(Encryption, Content Filtering, Privacy, etc.)

Viruses and Hacker

Wireless does not add any additional threat in the way of viruses. Anyone, anywhere can attack a network that is connected to the Internet. Wireless does not increase that chance. Security measures such as firewalls, can reduce the risk.

Wireless Networking Overview

Environment Assessment
Look at the structure of your building.

Steel, Concrete, Stone, Glass Open w/ few walls or many separate rooms? Do you use a 2.4 GHz cordless phone? Does it work throughout your environment?

Current technologies used

Agenda
Introduction to Wireless Technologies Wireless Networking Overview Non-Technical considerations

Non-Technical Considerations

Why Deploy Wireless?

Cost savings over wireline. Can not run wire to locations needed. To enable patrons to bring their own laptop, therefore reducing the cost of owning many PCs. To enable you to easily move PCs. To be on the leading edge.

Non-Technical Considerations

Cost
802.11b Wireless Access Points start around $130.00 for basic connectivity and run up to $500.00 for more management features. 802.11b Network Interface Cards (NICs) cost between $50-$100 and come in USB, PCI, PCMCIA and CompactFlash versions.

Non-Technical Considerations

The A-B-Gs of Wireless

54 Mbps @ 5MHz Not widely adopted

Which standard is right for you? 802.11.a

802.11.b
11 Mbps @2.4GHz Low Cost

802.11.g
New technology - Available late 2003 Compatible with 802.11b

Non-Technical Considerations

Security Planning
Develop a Security Plan. It should include: What are your special security needs? What known vulnerabilities exist? How to safe guard against the risks? How do you recover from a security breech?

Non-Technical Considerations

Virtual Hours
Your wireless network may not stop at your door. This means anyone can access your network after hours by sitting outside with a laptop.

Non-Technical Considerations

Where to Start
Evaluate the need. Assess current security and future needs. Assess the environment. Choose a standard. Ask for help.

Agenda
Introduction to Wireless Technologies Wireless Networking Overview Non-Technical considerations Other Comparable Technologies

Other Comparable Technologies

Wireline
If you have a network installed today, wireline is what you. Does it satisfy your needs? There is not reason to abandon your current infrastructure for wireless if wireline currently serves all your needs. If it serves some, but not all of your needs, Wireless may be a good supplement.

Other Comparable Technologies

HPNA
HPNA is Phone Line Networking. HPNA allows you to transmit data over normal phone lines at the same time you use that phone for voice calls and DSL. HPNA v2.0 runs at 10Mbps over a standard phone line. V3.0 is coming soon and delivers 100Mbps. If you currently have a lot of phone lines running through your facility this may be an option to consider.

Other Comparable Technologies

Bluetooth 802.15
Bluetooth is the standard for wireless personal area networks or WPAN. It allows high speed transmission of data over very short distances. Bluetooth is normally used for transferring data between laptops, or in Internet Kiosk type applications where roaming is not needed.

Agenda
Introduction to Wireless Technologies Wireless Networking Overview Non-Technical considerations Other Comparable Technologies Q&A