| As their IT consultant, your small business | | | | Wireless Ethernet Based on 802.11b (11Mbps) |
| prospects and clients will need you to explain the | | | | 802.11b wireless is also a relatively mature |
| different network cabling options available to | | | | standard that provides up to 11Mbps Ethernet |
| them. | | | | service. Although wireless networking hardware is |
| Traditional Wired Ethernet (Category 5) | | | | more expensive than comparable wired Ethernet |
| Until very recently, Category 5 data cabling was | | | | equipment, your clients will save on the installation |
| the de facto standard for both enterprise and | | | | costs of Category 5 data network cabling. |
| small business LANs. Today, you'll find some | | | | It could very well be break-even cost-wise and |
| enhancements available to Category 5 cabling, as | | | | there's no need to drill holes in your clients' office |
| well as booming interest in wireless Ethernet | | | | walls or in the baseboard. |
| solutions. | | | | Drawbacks to Wireless Ethernet |
| If your computer consulting firm won't be installing | | | | First, since the standards between different |
| Category 5 network cabling for your small | | | | 802.11b-compatibile products are still relatively |
| business clients' networks, get an estimate from a | | | | new, you can sometimes experience great |
| local data cabling vendor that can install certified | | | | difficulty in trying to connect 802.11b products |
| cabling runs to each office or desk. | | | | from different vendors. If possible, stick with the |
| Ensure the Network Cabling Job is Completed "To | | | | same 802.11b hardware vendor across the board. |
| Spec" | | | | Second, security standards are still evolving. The |
| Most reputable Category 5 cable installers will be | | | | wireless encryption protocol (WEP) that 802.11b |
| able to provide you with hard copy reports of | | | | products use is widely known to be "easily" |
| Category 5 certification tests, your assurance | | | | hack-able. Just be sure that your clients are |
| that the job was completed "to spec" -- making | | | | aware of the security limitations before they |
| for a much more reliable networking experience. | | | | commit to wireless Ethernet. |
| The Ethernet Hub and Network Card | | | | The Bottom Line About Network Cabling |
| To string together a traditional wired Ethernet | | | | Even if your computer consulting firm doesn't |
| network based on Category 5 network cabling, | | | | handle Category 5 and other kinds of network |
| your clients will simply need to purchase a 10 | | | | cabling work, you need to be involved in the |
| 100Mbps Ethernet hub or switch, and a 10 | | | | design specifications and supervision of network |
| 100Mbps network card for each PC. | | | | cabling. For assistance working with data cabling |
| These are very mature, inexpensive products and | | | | companies, see Partnering with Other Computer |
| great for creating inexpensive, high performance | | | | Consultants and Subcontracting Success both |
| small business networks. | | | | available for immediate download. |