Wireless Networking : 'it does what it says on the tin'

Wireless networking seems to be all the rage, but what is it? and why should anyone consider its use over traditional forms of network infrastructure?

The most common form of networks is 10/100BaseT Ethernet, which is built over Unshielded or Shielded Twisted Pair cabling (UTP, STP). A network using this standard is built in a 'star shaped topology' with a hub or a switch at the centre and 'end stations'; PCs servers etc. connected back to the centre using twisted pair copper cable.

The introduction of wireless technology allows us to connect end points to the network without wires. Connectivity between an end station, a PC for example, and the switch takes place through what is termed a 'Wireless Access Point', the PC being equipped with a Wireless Network Card.

Why use wireless ?

In the home scenario the advantages are immediately obvious, we don't have to drill holes and route cables between the kids bedroom(s) and the study.

In the typical commercial office where cabling is already in place what are the possible advantages? Up to date modern offices will use the same cabling infrastructure to route network connections and telephones to each desk. It will therefore be impossible to give up the cable infrastructure completely as this is still being used for the telephone connections.

Or is that still true? as an increasing number of companies are using digital cordless (DECT) phones attached to their company switchboard or PABX. Are we about to see the completely wireless office?

Flexibility

The biggest issue has to be flexibility and its the same argument that existed 10 ~ 15 years ago for the introduction of the structured cabling that we are now looking to replace.

Structured cabling, the practice of wiring up every and all parts of a building, so called flood wiring, and using it for telephones and data allows companies to rapidly adapt to changing needs within the office. Typical office accommodation change or so called 'Churn Rates' is at least 25% per year. Think of that as simply 25% of the desks in a typical company will be moved changed every year. The use of structured cabling allows these companies to adapt to that change almost instantly by plugging and unplugging a few cables at the wall point and in the computer room.

Using wireless connections will remove even that simple procedure and further increase the flexibility to accommodate any additional network users or move existing users around.

How's it done? Read further about ecommnet's latest implementation of a real wireless network for Grange Interiors and others.