Networking your office without wires allows you to create a dynamic office environment that responds to your business. In addition, a wireless network can be less expensive and requires less time and technical expertise to set up and get up and running.
What you will need to set up a wireless network
- Desktop, notebook PCs, Tablet PCs, or Pocket PCs equipped with wireless LAN access cards or with built-in wireless support
- A wireless access point
- A broadband Internet connection such as a partial/whole T1 line or a DSL/cable connection for small offices with fewer than 5 people if you plan to share Internet connectivity
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| Connect your wireless access point to the router that supplies your broadband Internet service |
| Reset your SSID values to lock down the wireless network |
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| Equip all your computers with wireless support |
| Configure the security settings on your access points and computers to maximise security |
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| These tips make your network setup and installation easier |
Step 1: Connect your wireless access points to your broadband Internet connection |
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Your broadband Internet service normally includes a router, which allows you to connect the Internet service with the computers on your network. On a wired network, a standard router, hub or switch shares your Internet connection with your company computers via Ethernet cables. On a wireless network however, the access point replaces the hub or switch to broadcast the signals wirelessly to all of your computers.
To deploy a wireless network, simply connect your wireless access point to your router and it will be ready to share your Internet connection.
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Step 2: Ensure all of your computers are wirelessly equipped |
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For your desktop, notebook, handheld and tablet PCs to communicate over your wireless network, they will need to support the wireless LAN protocol called Wi-Fi (or 802.11). Many of today's business computers come integrated with Wi-Fi, so they can access your wireless network immediately after the installation of an access point.
If your computers and handhelds don't have built-in Wi-Fi support, you can install a Wi-Fi adapter card that slips quickly and easily into the PCI slots of a desktop, notebook, Tablet PC, or handheld.
Ensure all your computers and access points have compatible protocols. 802.11b and 802.11g are interoperable, so a notebook with 802.11b support can communicate with an 802.11g enabled access point. However, 802.11a devices can only work with other 802.11a devices, so you can't mix and match them with 802.11b or 802.11g devices.
Once your access points and computers are configured, you can start exchanging information over your wireless network.
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Step 3: Configure the SSID on your access points and wireless computers |
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Wi-Fi access points use a special value called a SSID (Service Set Identifier) to distinguish wireless networks from one another. Access points often come with defaults setting. Change these values (which are well known) to prevent outsiders from easily detecting and accessing your wireless LAN. You should always immediately reset your SSIDs with stronger passwords (i.e. difficult to guess with mixture of letters, numbers and other characters so forth). See the documentation that comes with your access point and wireless card for details on how to reset SSIDs on your network.
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Tips and advice |
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- Data transfer rates decreases with distance from an access point, so wherever possible place your access point in a central location
- To minimise interference in a wireless network, keep your access point away from microwaves, televisions, cordless phones, and computers. Also, place your access point in a central office location for the best coverage
- Finding the right wireless networking solution for your business size can be a challenge, similarly you need to decide if you have the in-house expertise and time to install and implement the wireless solution.
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