- Mobility – users can access shared resources on the move without having to search for static connection points.
- Ease of Use – WLANs are transparent to all modern operating systems (applications work in exactly the same way as the do in wired LANs) and users need very little new information to take advantage of them.
- Installation – WLANs are fast and easy to install. They eliminate the need to pull cables through walls and ceilings, and their inherent flexibility means they can be set up where wires might be impossible to install.
- Scalability – wireless networks are easily expandable since they can support thousands of nodes and extend coverage over large physical areas.
- Cost – the cost of installing and maintaining a WLAN is substantially lower than the cost of installing (cabling, labour) and maintaining (repairing, moving, changing) wired LANs.
- Resilience – wireless technologies offer excellent failover opportunities for organisations wishing to augment the resilience of primary wired LANs.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WIRELESS LANs
In a typical WLAN configuration, an access point – or transceiver – connects to the wired network from a fixed location using a standard Ethernet cable. The access point receives, buffers, and transmits data between the components of the WLAN (PCs, laptops, handheld devices, or any other wireless equipment) and the wired network infrastructure. A single access point can support a group of users and can function within a range of anywhere from 30 to several hundred feet. The access points can be installed anywhere in the facility as long radio coverage is maintained. The wireless devices communicate with the network operating system via WLAN adapters, usually in the form of radio network interface cards (NICs).
HOW ARE WLANs USED?
WLANs are increasingly popular across a wide variety of industrial segments. Typical uses include:
- Corporate – Network managers can move employees, set up temporary offices, or install printers and other equipment without the cost and complexity of wires and cables. Executives are able access vital company information from temporary meeting rooms through handheld devices equipped with WLAN cards.
- Retail – Employees can keep track real-time pricing and inventory information from anywhere within the store.
- Hospitality – Hotels and resorts can process room service orders, and track guest baggage. Room occupancy rates may be increased through hotels offering wireless internet access to business guests.
- Education – remote classrooms can easily be incorporated into a campus network without the need for expensive leased lines and cabling.
- Warehousing – Warehouse workers can exchange vital inventory control information from the warehouse floor.
- Health care – hospital staff can access patient information from the bedside and research pertinent medical information more easily.
- Real estate – wireless technology enables fully-fledged high speed networks to be established in buildings that are rented or in listed buildings that can’t be modified due to government restrictions.
WHAT WIRELESS LAN SERVICES DOES PROGRESSIVE NETWORKS OFFER?Progressive Networks is a fully accredited Cisco Wireless Specialist with expertise in the design, installation, configuration, and operation of Wireless LAN solutions and, where circumstances deem necessary, Wireless WAN connections. We can offer qualified help and support at every stage of the wireless development lifecycle to ensure that your implementation is resilient, secure and optimised.
For more information, contact us by calling our team on 0800 169 41 31, requesting a call back or emailing us at sales@prgnet.co.uk.
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