Wireless networks

Many businesses use wireless networks either alongside traditional wired networks or as an alternative to them. Wireless devices can bring significant benefits to your company, if implemented correctly.

What are wireless networks?

Wireless networks do the same thing as any other computer network: they link together computers in your business so you can share files, access the internet and use centralised applications. While traditional networks use physical cables to link computers together, wireless networks use radio waves.

The technology used in a wireless connection is usually referred to as “Wi-Fi” or simply “wireless”. It’s similar to that used in cordless phones and allows for the transfer of data between wireless devices (laptops and so on) without any cables.

Using a wireless connection

There are a number of benefits to setting up a wireless network in your business:

• They’re cheap and easy to set up. You can set up a simple wireless network for less than £100, without help from an IT expert.
• They’re easier to expand. Adding extra computers to a wireless network doesn’t involve extra cables or network points.
• You get extra flexibility. You can access the network in meeting rooms, break out areas – and perhaps even outside your building.

However, although wireless networks are easy to set up, they have a few drawbacks which mean they’re most often used alongside a wired network:

• Speed. Although wireless networks are fast enough for most uses, they are slower than wired networks, which are better for transferring large files.
• Reliability. Although generally dependable, wireless network interference can slow or break the connection.
• Security. You can secure a wireless connection, but because the signal will bleed outside your premises, a wired network will always be more secure.

Wireless networks are particularly useful in situations where running cables would be difficult, or where you want extra flexibility – perhaps to offer a network connection in your meeting rooms.

Set up a wireless network

You need two essential pieces of wireless equipment to set up a wireless network:

• A wireless access point. This piece of hardware is the central point of your wireless network. All your wireless devices (laptops, etc) connect to it. Basic access points cost less than £50.
• Wireless devices. These can be laptops, mobile phones, desktop computers, or any other piece of equipment which is able to connect to wireless networks.

Every laptop made in the last couple of years will have wireless networking built in as standard. You can add wireless to other computers by purchasing an adaptor for £20 or so. A growing number of mobile phones have wireless built in too.

There are several different speeds of wireless network, each with a different, hard to remember name (“802.11g” is the most common). You don’t need to worry about this too much, as devices which run at different speeds should work together – just opt for the fastest you can afford.

If your business already has a wired network, you can usually plug your access point straight into it. Position the access point so it covers the areas you want it to. Once it’s set up, take some key security precautions. Enable encryption and consider hiding the network so it doesn’t show up when people scan for wireless networks.

Many wireless access points will offer a step-by-step guide to help you get set up easily. However, it’s worth contacting your IT supplier for assistance with more complicated set ups – particularly those involving several access points or large premises.