Playbook: Wireless Networking

A few years ago, the idea of an “all-wireless” enterprise was considered an urban myth, like the Sasquatch. But this is no longer the case – this Sasquatch is more than feasible, particularly in SMB companies.

The wireless local area network (WLAN) is a mainstay of networking, the beginning of the mobility movement. With more and more people using laptops, the WLAN has become significantly more important over the past couple of years. Yet many companies aren’t using the correct security policies and bandwidth management for their wireless networks, as these WLANs had previously been considered superfluous. The WLAN is a major part of the network and must be protected.

For networking service providers, this is an opportunity to sell hardware, such as routers and switches, plus management, troubleshooting, and monitoring services. A downed WLAN can bring a company to its knees and cripple operations until it’s back up and running again – and customers are willing to pay to ensure that the network stays up and running.

An important thing to note is the difference between Wi-Fi and a WLAN, which are often used interchangeably. Simply put, Wi-Fi is a type of WLAN. WLAN refers to any local area network that a mobile user can connect to through a wireless or radio connection, and Wi-Fi is a term for a specific type of WLAN using specifications in the 802.11 wireless protocol group.

Gauge your knowledge and your team's knowledge of wireless networking standards in this quiz. (May 05, 2011)

Once an add-on to traditional wired networks, wireless networks have come into their own as viable alternatives to Ethernet, especially for SMBs. But which option is right for your customer's wired, wireless, or both? (October 01, 2007)

As businesses move towards a wireless networking model, it's up to IT service providers to maintain connectivity and performance on their customers' networks. (January 12, 2011)

When I was in college, letting others use your wireless network was the "charitable" thing to do. None of us considered the dangers in leaving our wireless networks unsecured. (April 29, 2011)

The Windows-compatible TEW-805UB-a connects to a high-performance Wireless AC network at up to 867 Mbps or to a common Wireless N network at up to 300 Mbps. (May 01, 2013)

The Fortinet Secure WLAN integrates wireless and wired access, security, authentication, switching, and management in a system that enables system-wide policy enforcement. (April 25, 2013)

The manufacturer’s MoWi sensors communicate through existing Wi-Fi networks to iMonnit, an online data monitoring system. (March 28, 2013)

Through TDMobility, the distributor will participate in Verizon’s Partner Program, enabling 4G tablet activation. (March 07, 2013)

The networking solutions provider touts the benefits of IPv6 in addressing IP addresses shortages and in offering improved privacy and security features. (February 24, 2013)

The distributor will be providing Motorola’s WLAN planner, WiNG controller, Wireless Intrusion Prevention, and WLAN Network Assurance cloud service solutions. (February 22, 2013)

The XR-520 access point, Xirrus Management System, and Xirrus Activation Server are designed to offer SMBs ‘wireless solutions to meet the needs of a wide range of deployments.’ (January 30, 2013)

Four FortiGate network security appliances and two FortiSwitch platforms are designed for the needs of distributed SMBs in need of meeting strict regulatory compliance. (January 18, 2013)

The new all-in-one combines a NAS, a wireless hub, and much more. (January 17, 2013)

The company expands into tourist country, where it can provide the hospitality industry with a more logical way to offer communications accommodations. (January 17, 2013)