Guide to 802.11

Work wirelessly across your business with a variety of 802.11 solutions

By Michael Dunne

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802.11 standards-based networks for your business are easy to deploy and more affordable than ever. 802.11 WiFi gives business owners a way to expand existing wired networks without the cost or mess of new wiring projects. New businesses can install wireless 802.11 networks to avoid costly workstation wiring altogether.

802.11b network wireless gives business users throughput up to 10Mbps. Today's corporate networking needs go way beyond the early wireless standards and are supported by an ever-expanding family of 802.11 WiFi protocols, including 802.11g and 802.11n.

1. Decide what flavor of the WiFi 802.11 protocol works best for your business.

2. Meet security needs for your wireless 802.11 network.

3. Purchase top WiFi networking gear offering integrated AP management and more.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose from 3 commercially available flavors of the 802.11 protocol

802.11b offers 10Mbps of network throughput; great for small offices and very affordable. 802.11a more than doubles the effective bandwidth of 802.11b, but with reduced coverage due to increased susceptibility to obstructions. 802.11g offers the same average throughput as 802.11a but propagates more efficiently using the 2.4 GHz band.

I recommend: Small business owners don't need to spend a fortune to get high quality 802.11b network wireless up and running. Buy a Linksys 802.11g wireless router at discount mega store Wal-Mart. Equipment sitting on desktops can create a bad impression for customers. Opt for a more attractive D-Link 802.11g wireless router from Best Buy that includes range booster technology.

Keep your 802.11 WiFi network and sensitive information secure

Early 802.11 network wireless employed minimal security and offered nearly unfettered access to your network. Make sure your business deploys secure 802.11 wireless networking with a minimum of Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) in place.

I recommend: Most 802.11 WiFi solutions have adequate to good security protocols available. The Hawking 802.11b/g wireless router at Office Depot comes on strong with a built-in firewall and your choice of 256-bit WEP or WPA-2. Buy the latest Netgear 802.11 WiFi routers from Circuit City and use built-in, unbreakable WPA-2 security.

Build your 802.11 network with the best hardware and software available

Many good brands of WiFi networking equipment work fine in home office or small business settings. These brands have good features, coverage and security to meet the needs of most applications. For businesses that need to take it to the next level, stick with the top names in 802.11 managed wireless networking.

I recommend: Go wire-free and secure with a Cisco 500 series 802.11g wireless network from CDW. For businesses that need larger networks for up to 1,000 users, visit Tech Depot to purchase Cisco Aeronet wireless access points and software supporting 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n (draft 2.0).

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Make sure to equip your business PCs and notebooks with 802.11 compatible wireless networking adapters.
Keep an eye on the developing 802.11n standards. Massive increases in bandwidth, up to 74 Mbps, and double the range are coming soon.

The official source of 802.11 is the 802.11 page at Business.com