Wireless
Networking – The How’s and Why’s 
A wireless network means you don’t have to be tied to your
desk. Depending on the equipment and the plan you choose, you
might not even be tied to the office.
There are two basic types of wireless solutions: Local Area
Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN).
Wireless LANs
Traditional wired LANs use cable or wires to send data from
one computer to another, or from computer to printer or other
device. Wireless LANs do the same thing, except using radio
waves. You get the same benefits, without the wires.
Wireless LANs are what most homes and offices will choose.
As with all technology, the prices have dropped substantially so
call JSW Solutions today to find out just how
affordable this technology can be!
Wireless WANs
These networks provide outside-the-office mobile solutions -
a premium service for ultimate mobility. They work on the same
networks as cellular phones, so you can stay connected almost
anywhere.
Wireless networks transfer data from computer to computer, or
from computer to other equipment using radio waves, which can
pass through floors and ceilings and around walls. The two main
building blocks of the network are access points and client
adapters.
Access Points and Bridge Routers
These devices are the data transfer stations in the network.
They operate just like a hub in a wired network, connecting
multiple computers and devices together, but without wires. They
also provide a bridge between the wireless network and a
previously existing wired network. Bridge routers are access
points that also provide a connection for a high-speed modem and
basic routing capability for several computers.
Client Adapters: PC cards, USB devices and modules
Wired or wireless, every network uses adapters. Whether they are
removable cards for notebooks or USB adapters for desktops, they
are the link between the computer and the network. If you have
hardware already integrated with a wireless adapter like many
notebooks, you won't need a separate adapter.
802.11g/802.11b (WiFi)
The most established wireless LAN technology, it's also the most
affordable. Allows wireless connections up to 300 feet from an
access point, and can easily be added to existing wired
networks. With speeds up to 11 Mbps, performance is comparable
to a standard wired Ethernet network. Industry standard 802.11g
and 802.11b
products are easy to find and compatible with each other.
802.11a
802.11a provides a bigger pipe for data and supports more
simultaneous users. Ideal for deployments where speed and
bandwidth are important, 802.11a networks can run at up to
54Mbps and support more users per access point than a Wi-Fi
solution.
Are they compatible?
802.11a devices do not talk to 802.11b devices, but there are
certain access points (usually called dual access points) that
enable the use of both types of networks simultaneously. The
speed for each user is determined by what kind of adapter the
user has in his computer or wireless device.
Multiple users
can slow any network - wired or not. A reliable broadband
Internet connection is critical for providing the best
experience for all of your networked users.
Contact
us to discuss these and other business requirements by phone or
email:
sales@jswsolutions.com
Phone:
215.491.0720 Fax: 215.491.0656
JSW
Solutions - Jamison
PA, 18929
Copyright
2006 JSW
Solutions
