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What is a wireless network?

A wireless network provides all the same functions that traditional wired networks provide. The difference is that instead of allowing computers and other devices to communicate over wires, wireless networks allow these same devices to communicate using radio waves. This wireless communication is similar to that used by cordless phones or handheld radios. There are many advantages to wireless networks. Here are a few:

Advantages of wireless networks

• Mobility: Wireless networks allow users to roam free anywhere within the coverage area.
• Flexibility: When computers need to be moved or new computers added, there is no need to rewire. This saves time and money.
• Cost Savings: In most cases it is less costly to set up a wireless network then it is to set up a wired network that will cover the same space. There are also substantial cost savings associated with the productivity of employees using a wireless network as opposed to wired.

How can I use a wireless network?

The growth rate in the usage of wireless data networks is astonishing. Businesses and individuals everywhere are finding innovative uses for this versatile technology. Major equipment manufacturers such as Intel, Gateway, and Dell have begun to design and ship equipment with support for wireless networking as a standard feature. Here are some of the possible applications for this exciting technology.

Possible wireless applications

• Point-to-Point: Link networks up to 10 miles apart without costly wiring or telco fees.
• Residential: Send internet access to every room in your home, and the deck out back.
• Business: Increase productivity by allowing employees to access data anywhere on site.
• Public: Offer wireless internet access as a value-added service to your customers. Great for hotels, coffeeshops, bars, restaurants, or any place where people wait.
• Events: Wireless internet access is quick to deploy, making it well suited to conferences, meetings, expos and other events that would benefit from a temporary network.

Are wireless networks reliable?

Wireless networks have been used by government agencies, utility companies, the military, and NASA for years. They have been used successfully in mission-critical 24/7 uptime environments. Professional design and installation is really the key to implementing a wireless network that is stable, reliable and fault tolerant.

At Newmind we employ proven industry-standard methods to ensure that your network will function even in the worst conditions. Newmind technology consultants work with you to ensure that all of your requirements are met. Here are some of the methods we employ.

Wireless network design and implementation process

• Define network specifications and objectives with client
• Conduct Site Survey to determine coverage and interference issues
• Create preliminary network design
• Use preliminary design to determine project budget
• Review preliminary design and budget with client
• Complete network design
• Implement network
• Test network to ensure it meets design specifications
• Conduct final project review with client

Are wireless networks secure?

Newmind understands that security should be a top priority when implementing any kind of data network, not just wireless. However, wireless networks present specific security challenges because data is transmitted over the air waves instead of over the wire. In networks that are not professionally designed and implemented, this can leave data vulnerable to wireless "sniffers" and "wardrivers".

Newmind conducts a security risk analysis which is reviewed with the client in the earliest stages of the project. We work with our clients to identify their security risk and implement solutions to minimize those risks. VPN encryption, non-beaconing access points, authentication, and secure antenna placement are some of the many methods we employ to meet our clients' security goals.

Contact Newmind today for a free consultation.