Unwire with Wi-FiIf you redo the office layout as often as the seasons change
or if you want to work on your network wherever you carry your laptop, wireless
is the way to go. A modern
Wi-Fi router typically gives you a few Ethernet ports for cabled connections,
as well as an integrated wireless access point that can connect anyone within
range to your network.
Wi-Fi networking tips:
- Before you lay down your cash, settle on the right standard for your network. You can choose from the following options:
- 802.11b is on the verge of becoming a legacy technology. It delivers about 5Mbps of bandwidth and an indoor range of about 100 feet; it's perfect for most small offices.
- 802.11a boosts throughput past that of 802.11b, but it has shorter range. 802.11a is less susceptible to interference than the other Wi-Fi standards.
- 802.11g is the top choice for most new wireless networks these days. It's compatible with 802.11b equipment, and it's as fast as 802.11a.
- Dual-band equipment gives you the best of both worlds: these devices combine 802.11g and 802.11a into a single device.
| Networking standards |
Actual
speed |
Indoor
r ange |
Frequency and risk of
interference |
Power drain |
Cost |
| 802.11b |
5Mbps |
150 feet |
2.4GHz; high |
Moderate |
Low |
| 802.11a |
22Mbps |
100 feet |
5GHz: low |
High |
High |
| 802.11g |
20Mbps |
150 feet |
2.4GHz; high |
Moderate |
Moderate |
| Dual band |
22Mbps |
150 feet |
2.4GHz 5GHz; varies |
Moderate |
High |
- Position the access point in a central location to create a sphere of connectivity that hits all of the office's nooks and crannies. A good Wi-Fi access point can reach one floor above and below.
- Mount the access point above objects that can block radio signals. Put the access point or the router on top of a tall bookshelf or cubicle wall or attach it high on a wall or a ceiling.
- Try using an antenna or a wireless
repeater if there are areas that your Wi-Fi router can't reach.
- Because hackers
browse wireless networks for free rides or worse, for access to your data,
use the strongest WEP or WPA encryption settings available to your device;
don't broadcast the network's name if you can help it. Many routers allow
you to disable the broadcast through a simple check box on their management
interface.
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