| Cabling up an office is expensive. So what should | | | | technology like RADIUS will help with this. |
| you do when you move premises? There are a | | | | Lastly if you intend to allow guests to your office |
| few basic options for the small business owner. | | | | to connect to the internet then you'll need to |
| The first question I often get is "Can I just go | | | | segregate them from the rest of your network |
| completely wireless?". The answer is yes you can, | | | | and give them a secure way of connecting |
| but be prepared to do it properly and be | | | | without giving away your office passwords. |
| prepared for it to be a bit more complex than | | | | The other issue with wireless networks is that |
| you first thought. | | | | often yours can be prone to interference from |
| Many small businesses typically use a home grade | | | | other nearby offices. |
| wireless router for their wireless networking | | | | Not so simple is it? |
| needs. This is the kind of appliance that you'd | | | | So the other option is to cable up an office. The |
| usually have at home. The bad news is that while | | | | thing about cabling an office is that you get a |
| this might kind of get you by, it's not a business | | | | higher quality, faster, more secure network. If |
| grade solution and it's not usually very secure. | | | | you're doing this afresh, make sure to ask your |
| Business grade wireless access points have | | | | network cabling contractor to use Category 6 |
| several features that most of the home grade | | | | network cabling as it'll be more reliable with the |
| appliances don't have. | | | | higher speeds that are coming out for networks. |
| Firstly you might need a larger, more powerful | | | | Cabling an office is expensive, but unless you've |
| antenna to better cover your office, which most | | | | got a big budget for a wireless network to do it |
| of the home wireless routers don't offer. | | | | properly, it's probably the best option. |
| Secondly, if you're concerned about security for | | | | Many businesses will have their office cabled and |
| your wireless network, then you should consider | | | | have wireless access for their meeting areas. This |
| having the computers that use your wireless | | | | is normal and it's a lot simpler than setting up a |
| network authenticate with your network server | | | | wireless network to cover every nook and |
| using a technology such as RADIUS. | | | | cranny in many offices. |
| Thirdly, you might need multiple wireless access | | | | Go in with your eyes wide open and be prepared |
| points to seamlessly work together to cover your | | | | to compromise a little bit with the wireless and |
| entire office, which the home wireless router | | | | remember that the wireless appliances like the |
| won't help you with. | | | | one you have at home are just that, home grade |
| Fourthly you might want to monitor who's | | | | appliances. |
| connecting to your wireless network and again a | | | | |