Is it Time to Switch to an All-Wireless Network?
If you haven't looked at your network cabling in a quite awhile, it might be time to consider upgrading to an all-wireless network infrastructure. Why? Because wireless is a very viable option that can connect all your PCs together.
You probably don't want to connect every device that you have in your business wirelessly. Shared printers, network file servers, and other network devices such as cameras or IP phones are better left as wired connections, provided you can reach them with cabling.
Third, decide whether you need one or more wireless access points. Things get complicated when you go to more than one AP, but if you can serve your entire population from one that is best. The 11n products have the widest range, which is another reason to use them. If you are stuck with 11g, then take a look at the Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander product here and see if that will help.
We'll talk about where to locate your wireless access points and what kind of wireless access point device to buy in another column. In the meantime, start thinking about cutting the cable and looking at what wireless networks can do for your business.
David Strom is a former editor-in-chief of Network Computing, Tom's Hardware.com, and DigitalLanding.com and an independent network consultant, blogger, podcaster and professional speaker based in St. Louis. He can be reached at david@strom.com.
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