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802.11b Family
 
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networks as mobile as the people who use them
 

Techologic consults, sells, and installs wireless LAN's for office professionals and retail operations. We are here to help you with leading edge technologies in networking and wireless LAN, Local area Network.

Techologic is an Intel® Innovative Technology Provider partner.

Our acceptance in the Intel® Innovative Technology Provider program enables us with the right tools and resources aimed at helping our customers implement next generation products and solutions. Our customers receive a wide range of technical support, IT developments, and product sales.

Call us for a site survey at (303) 946-3322

Why is a site survey necessary ?

Benefits of Wireless LAN
Extend network resources beyond the desktop and enable people to work, teach or study wherever they're most productive—with reliable, portable LAN connectivity. Featuring standards-based design and robust management capabilities, Wireless LAN products let network users conduct real-time network activities—manage e-mail, access the Internet, transact e-Business, share files and applications—away from the desk or data port, all with wired-like reliability and security.
 

Facts about Wireless LAN
WLAN is a type of Local Area Network (LAN) that uses high frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate and transmit data among nodes. It is a flexible data communication system implemented as an extension to, or as an alternative for, a wired LAN within a building or campus.
  • Increased Productivity - WLAN provides campus-wide network and Internet access. WLAN offers the freedom to roam and stay connected.
  • Fast and Simple Network Set-up - There are no cables to install at a users desk or work area.
  • Installation Flexibility - WLANs can be installed in places where wires can't, and they facilitate temporary set-up and relocation.
  • Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - Wireless LANS reduce installation costs because there is no cabling; as a result, savings are greatest in frequently changing environments.
  • Scalability - Network expansion and reconfiguration is uncomplicated, and users can be added to the network simply by installing a wireless LAN adapter to the client device.
  • Interoperability - Customers can rest assured that reliable brands of compatible client and network-sided products will work with our solutions.

 

Are  WLAN products interoperable with other product brands?
Yes.  WLAN products are compatible with products from different vendors employing the same technology (i.e., Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum); this will allow users to use client adapters from multiple vendors. The goal of industry standards, including the IEEE 802.11 specifications, is to allow compliant products to interoperate without explicit collaboration between vendors. WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance) is an industry organization that certifies WLAN product interoperability. The 802.11b specification provides the guidelines for WLAN interoperability, and the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA) ensures that products interoperate in real-world applications. Systems will interoperate as long as the PC client card and access point are 802.11b compliant and WECA certified.
What is IEEE 802.11b?
A: IEEE 802.11b is a technical specification issued by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) that defines the operation of 2.4 GHz, 11 Mbps, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs).
Q: Are WLANs secure?
A: Yes, WLANs are highly secure. Because wireless technology has roots in military applications, security provisions have long been designed into wireless devices and wireless LANs are typically more secure than most wired LANs. WLANs use Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology, which is extremely resistant to corruption, interference, jamming, and detection. In addition, all wireless users on your network can identify themselves with a system ID that prevents unauthorized users from gaining access. Users with particularly sensitive data can enable Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), which further encrypts the signal and verifies the data with an electronic "security key". In general, individual nodes must be security-enabled before participating in network traffic. 802.11b WLANs may use 40-bit and 128-bit encryption along with user authentication to provide a high degree of network security. It is virtually impossible for unintended receivers and eavesdroppers to listen in on wireless LAN traffic.
Q: What is the data throughput speed of an 802.11b WLAN network connection?
A: 802.11b WLANs operate up to speeds of 11 Mbps. WLAN users experience speed comparable to that offered by the wired network, and similar to the wired network, WLAN throughput speed depends on network topology, load, distance from the access point, etc. There is typically no perceived difference in performance compared to a wired connection.
Q: How many users can a WLAN system support?
A: The number of users is virtually unlimited. The number of users can be expanded simply by adding network access points. By introducing overlapping access points, set at different frequencies (channels), the wireless network can expand to accommodate additional simultaneous users in the same area. Up to three overlapping channels can be used concurrently without interference, which effectively triples the number of supported network users. Similarly, the WLAN can support more users by installing additional access points in various locations in the building. This increases the total number of users and allows roaming throughout the building or across the campus.
Q: Is WLAN technology only for notebook computers?
A: No. While WLAN systems are ideal for networking mobile computers they are equally useful for connecting desktop computers and a variety of emerging mobile platforms. WLAN solutions are designed to eliminate cables to networked devices thereby eliminating cabling costs and increasing connection flexibility and mobility.

 
Q: Why is a site survey necessary ?
A:
  • Because of differences in component configuration, placement and physical environment, every network application is a unique installation. Before installing the system, users should perform a site survey to determine the optimum utilization of networking components and to maximize range, coverage and network performance. Here are some operating and environmental conditions you should consider:
  • Data Rates. Sensitivity and range are inversely proportional to data bit rates. The maximum radio range is achieved at the lowest workable data rate. There will be a decrease in receiver threshold sensitivity as the radio data rate increases.
  • Antenna Type and Placement. Proper antenna configuration is a critical factor in maximizing radio range. As a general guide, range increases in proportion to antenna height.
  • Physical Environments. Clear or open areas provide better radio range than closed or filled areas. Also, the less cluttered the work environment, the greater the range.
  • Obstructions. A physical obstruction such as metal shelving or a steel pillar can hinder the performance of the Wireless Ethernet Adapter. Avoid locating the computing device and antenna in a location where there is a metal barrier between the sending and receiving antennas.
  • Building Materials. Radio penetration is greatly influenced by the building material used in construction. For example, drywall construction allows greater range than concrete blocks. Metal or steel construction is a barrier to radio signals.