WLAN or wireless LAN is a type of the computer network in which computers are connected with each other without the bunch of wires. Wireless LAN uses the radio waves to enable the communication between the computers. WLANs let the users to access the network servers, printers, internet and other network resources, which are within the reach of same network.
The key issues to consider while configuring the wireless LAN are the security, bandwidth allocation to each user and determining RF coverage from a single access point. Among the other benefits of deploying the WLAN are their low cost, productivity and increased bandwidth but security is an important issue, which should be taken into consideration while designing a wireless network. IP telephony, wireless mobility and video conferencing are also supported over the WLAN.
Components Required:
- Wireless Access Points
- Wireless Routers
- Wireless LAN Cards
- Workstations and Laptops
- PDAs (optional)
- IP Phones (optional)
- Designing
- For designing the Wireless LAN you need to define your tasks and requirements such as number of users, existing computers, physical location, applications and security before deployment. Determining your requirements will help a lot in designing the network.
- Design a WLAN includes specifying the technical elements such as making network architecture, access points, wireless router, antennas types, distance between the system and the access point and other settings.
- Before implementing the design you can make diagrams, which shows all the networking components and overall system architecture. Determining that how much bandwidth for each user is required and the number of the access points is very important.
- Installation
- If the design is efficient then the installation would be a smooth process. The design should specify that where to place the systems, mount the access points, place the wireless router and how much should be the distance between the user’s system and the access point. In addition, the design should determine the security requirements of the overall infrastructure. Mount the access points at the highest places. Deploy the networking components of the same vendor, change the default security settings of the router and implement a strong security features.
- Testing
- After completing the installation process, test your installations for proper operation, coverage and security with the good network analyzers, network monitoring and management software.
- Due to the different factors the actual throughout for a wireless network is lower than the technology’s specified rates. These factors include interference, noise, multi path propagation, ranges issues, security issues, quality of signals and the networking components etc.
- After completing the installation make a detailed and careful documentation of what you have done. Your documentation should include the diagrams of the network components such as location of the installed access points, computers and wireless routers. The documented information will be a great help in monitoring, troubleshooting, upgrading and securing your wireless network.