Wireless Networking for Home, Office and Enterprise

There's no doubt that wireless networks deliver big benefits when it comes to convenience. Wireless connectivity allows you to do anything from work from the deck on a beautiful Inland Empire summer day to locating an office where it might not otherwise be feasible to connecting structures thousands of feet apart. Wireless LAN (or WLAN) technology can be used in many different ways to solve particular problems. For instance, it is possible to connect buildings up to 4300 feet feet apart using what is called a wireless Ethernet bridge. Large structures, such as multi-level office buildings can be covered using a combination of multiple wireless access points and repeaters. Different wireless zones can be established with different network access and privileges. If you know what you're doing and use the right gear, there's very little that you can't accomplish effectively and securely.

 It's worth repeating that the keys to any successful wireless LAN (or WLAN) installation are the use of robust and reliable equipment and paying careful attention to security. After all, if any part of your network is wireless, that means that you're broadcasting to the world as far as the radio in your gear will reach. If you're not careful, then you may be providing free internet service to anyone within range. Not to mention access to your own network. You really, really don't want to do that. Having said that, it is possible to 'hide' your WLAN and encrypt it so heavily that all but the most determined intruders will not be able to see your WLAN, much less access it. If you want an example of just how careless most folks are, just open up a wireless-equipped laptop  in the parking lot of any local condo and see how many networks are available for your (illicit) use. It's usually a smorgasbord of free internet access.

StarLAN Consulting Services has extensive experience designing and building reliable, effective and secure WLANs for home, office or enterprise. Contact us for more information.