Wireless Networking

Presented by:
Jeffrey D. Bombell, American
Computer Technologies
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?
Current technologies used
 Do you use a 2.4 GHz cordless phone?
Does it work throughout your
environment?
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
Which standard is right for you?
802.11.a
54 Mbps @ 5MHz
Not widely adopted
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