Plan and Implement a Secure Wireless Network

Mobilize your users in 7 easy steps

From the October 2006 Edition
of Windows IT Pro
Ed Roth
Solutions +
InstantDoc #92783
Windows IT Pro

Step7: Deploy and Train
When your infrastructure is in place and configured, all that's left is to configure your client systems and train your users. You'll need to configure client systems with the SSID you selected and, if you're using MAC address filtering, collect the MAC addresses of your wireless network adapters and add them to your "allowed" list.

When it's time to train users about the appropriate and safe usage of the new wireless network, you might want to begin with a pilot group. However you decide to train your users, you need to make them aware of expected behavior, such as the difference between the throughput of wireless and wired networks and how client machines will behave when entering or leaving a wireless coverage area. Then, give your users a way to provide feedback about their WLAN experiences. Easily corrected problems often go unreported simply because users don't know that the WLAN isn't behaving normally.

Paying Dividends
A wireless network can be a tremendous asset to your company when it's configured and used correctly. By doing some homework up front and dedicating yourself to maintaining a secure environment, you can implement a WLAN that will pay dividends to your company for years to come.

Solutions Snapshot
PROBLEM:
You need to set up a safe and secure wireless network for your company.
SOLUTION:
Follow these seven steps to implement your wireless network from the ground up.
WHAT YOU NEED:
APs, wireless adapters, and possibly a wireless bridge, specialized antennae, or wireless switch.
DIFFICULTY:
3 of 5

SOLUTION STEPS:

Verify that your business needs to implement a wireless network.
Plan your wireless coverage area according to your business needs.
Plan how many APs you'll need to equally distribute maximum bandwidth to your users.
Decide what hardware you'll need to implement your wireless network.
Perform a site survey to assess your wireless coverage and make any necessary changes.
Secure your wireless network to prevent unauthorized access.
Deploy your wireless network and train users how to safely use it.

End of Article

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