How to build a wireless network

Wireless networks bring cost savings, increased staff productivity and greater flexibility for businesses that already work with wired networks. Find out how to go about setting one up

1. Consider investment returns. Before you start, consider the return on investment that you hope to achieve. Building a wireless network should always prove cheaper than putting in a wired one, eliminating the need to run cables through ceilings and walls. Once up and running, a wireless network can be quickly reconfigured to accommodate business growth.

2. Look at your office space. A standard access point can typically pick up wireless signals within a range of 46 square metres, but signals can be reduced by thick walls and ceilings. If your office is larger than this, and/or there are physical obstacles, you will need more than one access point.

3. Draw up a plan. Your wireless network’s configuration will always depend on your business needs. You should examine your existing wired network, if you have one, and consider how many more people need access — both now and in the future. Having a good idea of how many staff regularly work away from their desks will also help define your requirements.

4. Purchase the equipment. Wireless equipment consists of two main components: wireless-enabled devices and wireless access points. You should always check the devices employees use now as many will already offer integrated wireless access. For others, you will need to purchase add-in wireless cards.

5. Get your network up and running. A wireless network can be built inhouse, using the step-by-step instructions that come with your equipment. These will explain how to connect access points to your wired network, turn them on, perform an initial set-up task and configure security settings. Follow the guidelines in the user manuals that come with the devices your staff use to activate their wireless connections.

6. Protect your network against unauthorised access. Most wireless access points support Media Access Control (MAC) filtering, which, once configured, will only allow access to known wireless devices, whose MAC addresses are listed, and recognised by, the access point. New users can be added easily to the network by entering their devices’ MAC address into the list. To further enhance security, use standard encryption software, which scrambles data before it is sent over the wireless network, and then unscrambles it on receipt.

7. Test for any problems. Always test your new installation before going live (using test software). This will advise you on the percentage of data sent correctly; the time it takes to receive a response; and the strength of the signal transmitted. Basic test software, such as NetStumbler, which runs on Microsoft Windows, can be downloaded free of charge. Other providers include Wildpackets with its OmniPeek range of solutions, starting with OmniPeekBasic, which costs £800.

Cardinal rules

Do

• Work out the cost benefits.
• Consider your office space and user needs.
• Carefully follow the step-by-step instructions when activating your network devices.

Don’t

• Buy your wireless equipment until you know your exact needs.
• Overlook the need to configure your security settings.
• Go live without testing the network.

_{Copyright © BHP Information Solutions Ltd 2011}

_{Published: December 2011
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