The following notes will hopefully explain how the different components of this technological jigsaw can fit together, and some of the things to remember when configuring your own network, whether it be in the office, or even at home.

In a previous Understand IT article, we briefly described the concept behind Wireless Networking (see November 2002 edition).  Briefly, a wireless network functions in much the same way as a conventional office network - it connects two or more computers together in either a “peer-to-peer” configuration (this is where a number of computers are inter-connected and share files, folders or printing devices etc between them on an equal footing).  Alternatively, it uses a “client/server” model, with a central server providing file and service sharing with its “client” computers. 

The principal difference between conventional and wireless networking is perhaps obvious.  The former uses copper cabling (Unshielded Twisted Pair or UTP) to interconnect the devices on the network.  The latter uses wireless technology and therefore is free from the constraints of physical cabling.  This brings obvious major advantages, both in a business and increasingly in a home environment.

Whereas in a conventional network, the key components are Network Interface Cards (NICs) which are located in each computer, providing the connection point for the network cabling.  In a wireless network, the key components include the central “Access Point”, which is simply a radio “base station” that communicates with the other network devices. 

Wireless Access Point/Router

Typically, the Access point will also contain a small number of ports to connect conventionally cabled devices, and usually the connection point to the Internet.

Each network computer then needs to be equipped with a wireless card that provides the same function as the NIC, but communicating via radio frequencies with the Access Point.  Most manufacturers provide cards for both desktop and Notebook PCs.

The advantages of wireless networking are obvious, and the component costs are falling fast in real terms, making it an attractive proposition for many home users too.  Many homes now have more than one computer, particularly if the family is large.  Now that there is no need for running unsightly cabling around a home, wireless networking allows those in a household to either share information, or more likely share a single broadband internet connection.

Wireless Network Security

For most businesses, and arguably, home users as well, the subject of security is upper-most when implementing a local area network.  With a conventionally “wired” network, security is important, since a connection to the Internet can provide an open door to your network.  With a wireless network, this security should be of even greater concern, since anyone with a notebook PC and a wireless card, can, in theory gain access to your network simply by entering your office building, or even sitting in a car outside your office.  The range of most wireless network Access Points is between 50 and 300 metres, depending on the environment.

Fortunately, the industry standards for wireless networking (conforming to the memorable 802.11b or 802.11g definitions) provide some inbuilt security features.

In a basic wireless network configuration, there are two levels of security that can be implemented:

·         The first is to define a discreet name for your network.  The manufacturer of the network components will normally have provided a default name, but since this will be the same for all their networks, it is wise to change it to something that only users within your organisation or home will know. 

This name is referred to as the SSID (Service Set IDentifier) and is configured by entering the setup configuration of your Access Point device (see the manufacturer’s operating manual on how to access the setup of your particular device).  With in the set up, you will be able to re-define the SSID for your network. 

Then each computer that you wish to have access to your network will need to configure their wireless card to search for and connect to your network (NB: a computer can be configured to search for and connect to more than one network – this is useful if for example a notebook user wishes to access the Internet via a public “hotspot”; see below for more information on Hotspots).  The SSID is configured by going to CONTROL PANEL and double-clicking on NETWORK CONNECTIONS and then selecting the WIRELESS NETWORK CONNECTION and PROPERTIES.  On the WIRELESS NETWORKS tab, you can specify the SSID under the CONFIGURE button.

·         The second level is to implement the security protocol built in to the 802.11b/g protocol called WEP (an also memorable Wired Equivalent Privacy).  This facility encrypts the information flowing between the devices on a wireless network, to avoid unwanted “eaves-dropping” on that information. 

The above steps might be a little too complex for the average person to undertake, but seeking advice from your IT Support organisation, or contacting May Day Consulting (on 01224 697457) may be necessary to ensure that security on your wireless network is set up correctly.