For many years, it has been possible to connect two or more computers together using cables, so that computer users can exchange and store files, share printers, share an Internet connection or other common resources. If you were to get a wired network installed today, it would most likely be constructed using ‘Category 5’ cable, which is designed to carry network signals at speeds of 10 Mbps1 or 100 Mbps for distances of up to 100m between devices on the network. Which speed is used will depend on the network devices available, but most 100 Mbps devices can also work at 10 Mbps.2 Higher speed network devices and cables are available, but these are normally used to connect servers or data storage devices together rather than office computers. Wireless networking is a technology that enables the cabling that connects each computer to the network to be replaced by a specially coded wireless signal. When fitted with a wireless network card, a computer can exchange data with other similarly equipped computers nearby without the need to be plugged into a network point, forming a wireless network. Since the wireless network uses the same protocols and addressing schemes as a wired network, the two types of network can be freely mixed. Like a wired network, a wireless network is neutral to the operating systems used by the computers on the network. Whether you are a PC user, a Mac user or a Linux user you will be able to wireless network if you install the appropriate wireless card in your computer or laptop. In the last two or three years, low cost wireless components have produced a number of ways of connecting computers together wirelessly. These networks are growing in popularity with many organisations because they offer low purchase costs, almost no installation costs and they allow wireless equipped computers to be freely moved around the room, the building or even outside. Wireless networks can be easily assembled with only basic knowledge of computers and networking. Most wireless components are built with their own software or firmware that will make them work “out of the box”, so for many users it has simply been a matter of install and go. However, this deceptive ease of use hides a number of pitfalls to do with differing standards, physical limitations with wireless signals, and security issues. These pitfalls can make setting up or extending a wireless network a nightmare if the issues are not considered before the components are purchased.
