Wi-Fi network

[carlosd]

In need to make a wi network for 5 computers in an oficce. What kind of equipmentdo I need, also can you recommed for this type of network specific good and not so expensive equipment.

 

[JackMDS]

This is a very general question, since the answer depends on:

1. Specific environment.

2. Traffic assuage (bandwidth) for Internet and LAN.

3. Security needs.

Might be that Wireless is Not recommended to begin with.

Might be that for your purpose Entry Level Hardware is good enough

Might be that you need professional hardware with security appliances.

If you cannot define you needs in clear Network terms, might be that you should consider hiring professional consultant to help.

If you want to understand basic of Entry level Wireless, you can read this.

Wireless What Should I Get?

:sun:

 

[FlyingPenguin]

For my clients I do not recommend wireless in an office unless you're only using it for Internet or you need to have untethered laptops.

Wifi is substantially slower than 100Mbit network cable. Even the supposedly "high speed" Wifi networks are substantially slower and you'll have slow performance if you plan on doing any major printer and file sharing.

Wifi can be very unreliable in an office environment. You can get interference from other nearby access points, and other wireless devices.

Another issue is security. If you do use Wifi, make sure it's secure. If this is any kind of business that comes under HIPPA privacy regulations (medical office, accountant, attorney) you want to think long and hard about using Wifi and it had better be secure. YOU are liable for any security breach that discloses a client's personal information.

If you have a suspended ceiling in your office, then running network cable is a no-brainer. If you don't want to do it yorself, anyone who knows how to run phone cable can run network cable. The only thing to watch for is always detour around flourescent light fixtures - ballast transformers will cause packet loss if in close proximity to the cable.

Cabling will generally cheaper than Wifi as well.

If you do go WiFi DO NOT use internal PCI Wifi cards in the towers. Use external USB Wifi NICs - they have much better range. Other than that any 802.11G router/access point will do the job. I prefer Linksys or Netgear myself. Make sure your hardware supports TKIP encryption (anything made in the last year will) and that you enable it. WEP encryption is NOT good enough.

Do a Google search for tips on how to secure the Wifi network even more (disable SSID, use MAC filtering, etc).

 

[carlosd]

-I don't care about speed since the data flow over the network is going to be small from files and internet.
-In the office I am installing it , there will be no interference from otrher acces point nobody is using wi-if near this area. also cordless phones everybody uses here are 900MHz. Also the network won't be working 24/7 only 8/5.
-I don't care much about security, the information over the network won't be classified and won't be of interest to anybody else.
- The instalation of the strucured cabling (which is needed, I could make the cabling but it would be a mess, it is not allowed, the cabling have to be certified!!! god that is F expensive!) costs me 300USD (not including the switch/router). In the worst case I would be needing 2 acces points/routers (I don't need high end equipment, so I will go cheap) and 5 wi fi network adapters for the computers that would be 50x2=100USD for the routers/AP and 20x5=100USD for the network adapters, so it would be 200USD.

 

[OptyMyStix]

The Hot Spots enable you to get instantly online at any location where these facilities are available. No doubt all credit goes to advance technology but what about security. What is the security risk involved? The question of security arises because these networks are built for ease of use. Neglecting security aspect of networking.

Security Tips For Using Hot Spots