Wireless Network for a business?

[PeteNJ80]

Hey Guys,
I am about to setup a network for a small business with about 5 computers on the network. I was contemplating on using a 802.11g wireless network to enable for a more mobile enviroment. How is the security on these things? Am I asking for trouble if I setup the network this way? I have a "G" network in my home and I think its great but I am not sure if its good enought for a business. The way the business runs won't demand for a large amount of bandwidth so the 20-30mbpss that the network runs on will be fine. Or should I just setup a good ole wired network? Thanks for the help!

 

[amdskip]

On a business that needs the security, I would go with a tried and true way of a wired network. Wireless hasn't won me over yet. Thats just my opinion though.

 

[skyking]

Unless you have a specific need for wireless that can't be met with wire, copper all the way for business.
1.) Copper is 100% reliable if installed correctly.
2.) It cannot be interfered with, and the medium offers no security risk whatsoever.

 

[mboy]

Bad idea for business as others have stated unless u are willing to shell out the $$$ for a totally VPN/3DES type encryption instead of the WEP crap that most SOHO ones use.

 

[mcveigh]

wired

 

[SaigonK]

So i agree and disagree...


Wireless is fine, if you want a mobile office, then why not use it? The bad part is you need to buy some SERIOUS hardware, not any off the shelf Dlink crap.
Don;t be fooled thinking it isnt a solution, wired is the obvious way to go, but for those who will actually use it, wireless is a great tol.

Figure this:

A couple of Cisco 802.11b AP's (can go to G later witha mini PCI card) - Cost: $1200
A Nortel VPN server that allows up the needed connections - Cost: $1000 - (This would be for a Contivity 600 or a Contivity 1100)

Now compare the cost of setting up a wired lan:

Nortel 450BT managed switch - $600 on ebay (they never die)
Wiring costs: $400 (might be over shoointg here if you do it yourself)


Obviously the speed and cost of a wired LAN make it the obvious choice. But if you really want people to be able to just move around at will without the LAN cable, then wireless is the way to go.

 

[skyking]

Unless you have a specific need for wireless that can't be met with wire, copper all the way for business.

I allowed for that here, but many people will install something just becasue it sounds cool, when they really won't wander around in practice. I have bought a lot of cool stuff, only to realize I did not need or use it as intended😛

 

[SaigonK]

Originally posted by: skyking

Unless you have a specific need for wireless that can't be met with wire, copper all the way for business.

I allowed for that here, but many people will install something just becasue it sounds cool, when they really won't wander around in practice. I have bought a lot of cool stuff, only to realize I did not need or use it as intended😛

here here! 😀
I have a TON of stuff that is "cool" that I should have never bought...hehehehe