The Advantages and Benefits of the Wireless Networks - Research Paper Example

Wireless Network Development Plan 11th June, Introduction Wireless local area networks have been in continuous growth in terms of their capability, and their availability. When an education institution with a single campus and multiple buildings in it seeks to deploy a new WLAN architecture, there are some technological advantages that this institution might be seeking to leverage, like; reduction of the cabling in order to mobilize the workplace, have some mobile access throughout the global enterprise that also doubles up with its ubiquitous mode, and increase in productivity and efficiency of the workforce, without necessarily constraining them to a certain constrained network (Syngress, 2002).. As for the student population, there will be a very necessary access to the internet which aids in easing congestion in the learning areas, above increasing efficiency to the populace. Overview It is very essential that the authorities having the responsibility of deploying the wireless network are aware of the solutions they are seeking from the new network that is not readily available in the traditional wired network architecture (Trulove, 2002). In most cases, mobility is the most appealing wireless feature. The through-the-air connection from a wireless AP to any enable device calls for other issues to. Key amongst them is the essence of mobility to the institution, in this case the campus. Other issues that emanate are the mode of connection to be spelt out on the ground, essence of remote connection, voice calls and such. Planning of the network set up determines the best suited WLAN architectural adoption with regards to the surrounding environment (Syngress, 2002). Benefits gained from well-suited different environments from stand alone and centrally coordinated architectures available. Depending on deployment area, age of wired infrastructure, building architecture and types of applications to be supported both stand alone and centrally coordinated architectures have advantages and disadvantages. It is essential to have effective and efficient way to manage network regardless of the chosen approach. Site survey is critical before expansion and deployment of the network it enables identification of appropriate technologies to deploy, elimination and avoidance of obstacles, user needs, capacity required to carry out the exercise, expertise needed, area coverage and resources required to successfully ensure project implementation up to its decommissioning. Purpose and scope The purpose of this research is to provide recommendations for installation of this network. It aims at achieving improved connectivity and effective learning for students to facilitate research activities, and skills development. Use of WLAN is gaining momentum due to the increased connection to online information. Institutions of higher learning are now committed to support library connectivity for users with portable devices like laptops and smart phones, resulting from technological innovations. This is achieved through wireless (Wi-Fi hotspot) internet connectivity. Extensive use of this network helps to tap technological gains such as mobilizing workplace, enhancing connectivity of all stakeholders for efficient communication purposes and enhanced productivity of all workers of an organization. The scope of this research mainly attributes to gains rendered by utilization of WLANs especially by institutions of higher learning (Syngress, 2002). It helps institutions to cope with the increased adoption of technology by a mass of students and improved general service delivery. Wireless Network Equipment and Devices WLAN technologies exchange data through radio communications since it entails a group of networking devices within a restricted geographical location such as campus buildings, offices and libraries (Adam & Glen, 2003). Before installation is carried out obstacles that could hinder signal strength should be identified such as coated glass generally with a metalized film, ceiling tiles especially those made of metal, metallic furniture, walls especially those made of heavy construction materials such as concrete in order to have a mechanism in place to mitigate these impediments. Simple equipments such as antennas, access points, and wireless stations are critical in deployment of this network. Locating access points strategically improves coverage and thus several measurements should be carried out through moving wireless stations to various locations so that efficient signal strength (Santamare &Hernandez, 2007). Proper placement of antennas is achieved through identification of odd-shaped buildings, aisles and corridors so that all limitations are dealt with accordingly. This extends and enhances coverage into desired areas since physical obstacles are avoided. For the network to function effectively, the laptop, desktop and other hand held devices are required to have a network interface card that is usually inserted in the relevant slots while others are inbuilt (Trulove, 2002). The wireless network interface cards are equipped with an inbuilt antenna that identifies and connects with the network. In the wireless network, the access point serves the same function as the switch in switch in wired networks where it broadcasts the signals as well as receives the signals both to and from the surrounding devices via the network interface cards. Additionally, an existing wireless network can also be connected to the wireless network at the access point. Wireless repeaters are also essential to the wireless networks as it helps to serve the network clients within a wider geographical area (Trulove, 2002). The wireless repeater connects to the access point and serves as the relay station for then wireless signals. Wireless Network Device Configuration The wireless networks can either be configured using the Ad Hoc mode or the infrastructure mode in the access points. The Ad Hoc is the most basic mode and it is similar to the wired peer to peer networks. This method only requires the wireless network interface card where the each of the computers on the network shares a common name of the network (Santamare &Hernandez, 2007). The range of this configuration mode is however limited thus it is only effective in small networks with few nodes. The accessibility range of the signals with this mode is 150 meters indoors and 350 meters outdoors. The devices communicate directly with each other. Setting up using the Ad Hoc mode requires one to configure the each of the wireless adapters. Here all the wireless adapters should be configured to use the same SSID as well as the same channel number. The performance if this networks is however dependent on the number of nodes on the network (Syngress, 2002). Additionally, to connect this type on network to a wired LAN or the internet, one will be required to install a special purpose gateway. On the other hand, while using the infrastructure mode, the devices are connected to the network using a central device known as the wireless access point. Here, all the computers on the network are configured to use a common SSID. The access point is then connected to the wired network so as to allow the clients on the network to access facilities such as the internet services of printers (Adam & Glen, 2003). The access point can also connect to the wireless LAN to allow the growth of the network as the number of client’s increases. This mode offers the advantages of centralized security and scalability among others. Different from the Ad Hoc mode, the devices use the network infrastructure to connect. The infrastructure involves in this type of network include switches, firewalls, routers and access points. This mode is mostly used for users in the corporate world (Santamare &Hernandez, 2007). Wireless Network Staffing, Training, and Support Requirements The staffs only learn how to work with the newly introduced network systems through assistance and training. In cases where the staff members are not appropriately trained on the use of the network, the network is underused as they are not aware of most functionality. Training also helps to create awareness amongst the staff hence increasing the use of the network. Training also helps the staff to learn more about their capabilities and expectations. Most staff members are not aware of how the wireless networks could be useful to them as they lack the time to explore. The training of the staff only involves showing the staff what to do, and what functions the network can perform so that as they tackle tasks, they make good use of it. The staff should be trained immediately after the implementation of the wireless network which helps the staff to be more familiar with the new systems and be comfortable while using it. The training should also be carried out as a regular activity to also educate the staff on emerging technologies and how they can be beneficial to them. Additionally, management of the company should also be trained on the capabilities of the wireless network and how it can be beneficial to the company as a way of maximizing use of the available resources. The training process could be in many formats and it does not have to be a formal process. One of the formats is through short sessions during management training and inductions. The training could also be done as a demonstration for regional or individual groups. The staff members could also be issued short training articles in the form of newsletters. The success of the wireless network is dependent on willingness and the ability of the staff to adjust to the new environment. Training the staff in return helps them learn how to use the internet to research as well as other informal activities. Training also helps build the confidence of the users and also facilitate their productivity. Wireless Network Security Requirements Despite the advantages and benefits drawn from the implementation of the wireless networks, most of these networks are very vulnerable to hackers who can easily access the operations of the network and perform malicious activities in the data (Trulove, 2002). Most wireless networks in operations however do not have security measures in place. There are various security techniques that can be used to maintain a secure network. It is important to have control of the areas where the network signals are being broadcasted such that the administrators can adjust the signal strengths and directions. It is also essential for the administrators to lock the access points by using strong and secure passwords for the access point access. The administrators are required to ban all access points that are rogue to prevent un authorized access of the data. It is also essential to use the 128 bit WEP which reduces the chances of hackers gaining access to the data (Adam & Glen, 2003). The administrators are required to make use of the SSIDS wisely by not sniffing them to any one and changing it more often. It is also important for the administrators to limit the access rights where they should only allow the wireless cards with MAC addresses only and also use limited number of user addresses. Authentication is also important for the administrators to authenticate user to limit the number of people accessing the network (Adam & Glen, 2003). They should install as firewall that can support VPN connectivity as it requires for the users log in like dialing remotely. Terms and Definitions Wireless local area network- a local area network where all the devices are interconnected and communicate using signals Access points- the hardware devices or software that serve as the hub where all the users connect. Antennae -component of a wireless network that sends and receives radio transmission Router- a networking device that transfers data between different networks. Switch- the networking device that connects the different networks, segments and other networking devices. Hacking manipulation of the normal functioning of a network or a computer system MAC address (the media access control) identifier used at the network interfaces to facilitate communication on the physical section References Syngress R. (2002). Building a Cisco Wireless LAN. Amsterdam: Elsevier. Santamare A.&Hernandez L. (2007). Wireless LAN systems. London: Artech House. Trulove J. (2002). Build Your Own Wireless LAN. New York: McGraw Hill Professional. Adam C. & Glen L. (2003). The Wireless Networking Starter Kit: The Practical Guide to Wi-Fi Networks for Windows and Macintosh. San Francisco: Peach pit Press. Read More