The Computer Cache

If you've been thinking about installing a wireless network, there are some points to consider that will help you better decide which option is right for your business. The fastest wireless network technologies, 802.11a and 802.11g provide a maximum of 54 Mbps of throughput (the actual speed will usually be 20 - 35 Mbps), whereas a wired Cat5e installation can transfer data at speeds approaching 1000 Mbps.

Wireless networks require a client card for each computer and one or more Wireless Access Points which act as a base station. There are no holes to be drilled for cable runs and the installation is usually very non-invasive to your operational environment. Users will have the benefit of mobility, and the wireless network will be portable, which should be figured into your cost analysis if you are growing or considering a move.

In a wired network, Ethernet cables must be run from each computer to a central device. It is the installation of these cables that present the largest expense in the installation price. Are there available cableways between floors or rooms? Is there enough space above the drop ceiling? What about old wiring that may need to be removed? All of these factors will influence the price quoted for cabling. The bottom line is ease of installation.

With these factors in mind, expect to pay $100 - $150 per drop (outlet) for CAT5 cabling, depending upon the market. The finished product will typically be Cat5 outlets at each workstation, and a patch panel in a central location. It is standard industry procedure to number outlets at each end, but all the same, if it is not stipulated in the bid, make sure that it is included. This will prevent numerous headaches down the road if you are troubleshooting a problem with one of your desktops or servers.

Wireless is a shared medium, so the number of users and amount of traffic will have an impact on performance. A wireless installation with a single access point and a number of users is roughly analogous to a fleet of radios and a dispatch base all operating on the same channel. When a user wants to send data, the channel must be cleared. While one user is sending data, the rest must wait until the channel is open.

In order to intercept a data transmission on a wired network, one would need physical access to that network. However, wireless networks are nothing more than radio transmitters and receivers operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency, or the 5 GHz frequency. Using tools like Netstumbler or Kismet, one can discover enough about an unsecured network to gain access to shared files, or simply surf the Internet on someone else's dime. As such there are caveats to consider when implementing a wireless network.

All wireless products come out of their respective factories with default settings which are published on the manufacturer's website. These default settings are the ones that should be changed as soon as you set up your wireless network. Although these steps won't turn your network into Fort Knox, it will defeat all but the most proficient cyber criminals. All of these measures can be implemented via the web interface on your new wireless access point.

1. Change the system identifier - called the SSID for Service Set IDentifier, or ESSID for Extended Service Set IDentifier

2. Disable SSID broadcasting - now that you've changed the name of your wireless service area, you don't want your access point to go telling everyone its new name.

3. Enable Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) encryption - for small business, the easiest alternative will be to set up a shared key system. The simplest explanation of a shared key is a "secret word" known only by the PC's on your network and the wireless access point. While other options, such as a RADIUS server will provide more security, it also requires additional configuration and expense.

4. Enable filtering based on physical address - If your computer has a wireless card, the address is printed on the bottom of the card. Look for the 12-digit/letter combination that is labeled "physical address" (also known as MAC address or Ethernet address). If your computer has a built in wireless card, open up a command prompt (a DOS window) and type ipconfig /all. Your computer's address is the 12-digit/letter combination labeled "physical address." Note the addresses of all your wireless clients and enter them into the appropriate screen on your access point's web configuration utility.

5. Change the default password - This is recommended for any and all hardware and software. Remember, the default settings of most any item are freely available on the manufacturer's website.

These steps will not make your system bulletproof, but it will keep out all but the most determined professional.

The Fulcrum Technology Group provides technology consulting and support services to the Small Business market in the North Atlanta area.

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