How to Design a Wireless Network
Wireless networking is the process of interconnecting several computers and other network-enabled devices wirelessly so they can communicate in a secure environment. The network can be private or public. There are many types of wireless networks, including local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), personal area networks (PAN) and metropolitan area networks (MAN). The difference in the networks is the size of the coverage area. Designing a wireless network requires careful consideration of issues related to security and usability. Here's how.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 or more computers and other network-enabled devices
- Ethernet wireless cards
- Wireless access points
- Wireless routers
- Servers
Instructions
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Assemble the parts you need for your network. This will depend on the type of wireless network you are building. For a computer wireless network, you need a wireless access point, wireless local area network (LAN) card and computers.
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Survey your wireless network site for suitability. Consider the presence of interferences like microwaves, cordless telephones and other computer networks that may operate on the same frequency. These might interfere with your wireless network. Know the size of the area you expect your network to reach. This will determine the number of bridges you need and the location of your access point. (Bridges connect two networks.)
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Consider the type of data your network will carry. Basic wireless computer networks designed for Internet access sharing don’t need to be complicated, but incorporating inter-office email messages, video feeds, cellular phones and text messages to your network requires servers and other hardware.
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Design your wireless network for easy manageability. As your network grows, you may need to add more users and hardware, so design your network for easy expansion. Locate your access point and bridges strategically so they are easily accessible by your network users. Make it easy to expand your network in the future.
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Consider the technology you have available now and your future needs. For example, start with servers that incorporate video and cellular phone data flow, as well as access points that allow for easier expansion. This is easier than starting with just access points and trying to add cellular phone data relays later.
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Consider the type of network you want to set up. Your options (called LAN topologies) include the star, ring and tree (or hierarchical) network. In star wireless networks, all nodes are connected to a central point, so that a diagram of the network would look like a star. The advantage is they are faster and more secure because each component is isolated, so if one component goes down, others can still function. In a ring network, all nodes on the LAN are connected in a loop, so that it looks like a ring. Its major advantage is that it allows each component to transmit information without interference from other components. The tree network has a central or root access point and all devices access the network through that access point.
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Consider network security. Your network is a valuable asset and protection from outside intrusion is important. Consider the type of firewall, virus protection and anti-spyware software you will deploy. This depends on the size and complexity of your network.
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Tips & Warnings
Secure your wireless network to keep intruders away. Consider security when designing your network.
The tree network has disadvantages, including bottlenecks when many users attempt to log on to the network simultaneously. Additionally, hackers can more easily take down a tree network because all they need to do is take down the main access point to disable the whole network.
