How to plan for wireless networks

THERE has been an upsurge in the deployment of wireless networks in Zimbabwe both at home and corporate environments. The number of Internet hotspots also bear testimony to this uptake.

Although wireless networking offers lots of benefits, including mobility, easy deployment and low maintenance costs, it poses a number of security risks. These security risks, if not properly addressed, can reverse the benefits of wireless networking. Wireless networking works with no physical wired connection between sender and receiver by using radio frequency (RF).

The cornerstone of any wireless network is an access point (AP). The primary job of an access point is to broadcast a wireless signal that computers can detect and "tune" into (compare this to base stations for mobile phones). In order to connect to an access point and join a wireless network, computers and devices must be equipped with wireless network adapters. With wireless networking you do not have to worry about cables. You can sit and work from anywhere within the signal range. When you move offices you can set up a network in the new premises in a matter of hours than days. It’s a very convenient technology for enabling the mobile workforce, but the security risks are real.