Wireless Networking in 500+ user business.

[pancho619]

The company I currently work for is currently moving into a new building next month, they're consolidating their 4 satellite sites into one huge mega site. We have about 500 users and they're looking into getting wireless networking for everyone. Is that safe? I'm just curious, I was in their IS Department but now I'm in their Business Analyst. I heard about the wireless networking idea and wanted to see what you guys think of that. So far, it seems the IS Manager doesn't seem convinced, apparently the idea came from a VP in our company who knows nothing of Technology. Anyways, any information is appreciated. I want to be able to put in my 2 cents when the topic is discussed at this week's Manager's meeting. Thanks in advance.

-- pancho

 

[gaidin123]

Wireless is very convenient for conferences and outside vendors/consultants who may come in but wireless networking is generally less secure than wired, and less reliable. You would have to clearly decide what can and can't go on a wireless lan and make sure you correctly segment the wlan from your normal lan.

If your employees do not have many laptops, pdas, or other devices with wireless networking built in, blanketing a building in wireless is probably just a gee-whiz thing rather than something useful. However if they roam around a lot during the day and/or use mainly laptops then it's probably worth it.

I think it comes down to security and business need. If you guys decide that your business needs it for whatever legitimate reasons then plan for it now and install it "right". If you have highly sensitive data and a generally locked down network I would say absolutely no to wireless....

Gaidin

 

[pancho619]

Thanks for the info, I'll run that info by them. I guess a few "hot spots" would be good for internet connectivity around the new buildings but overall having wireless as the backbone will not be very efficient or safe. Thanks again.

-- pancho

 

[spidey07]

It really hasn't gotten to the point that a wireless network can replace a wired. Its just too slow.

Most times you have a wired network and then provide wireless covereage for the entire building by strategically placing the access points/radios.

 

[Trent257]

I agree, I work at a 300+ employee Software company. We have a lot of very sensitive data. All our computers are wired, then the majority of the building has AP's, like the meeting rooms and so on.