Wireless Networking

Most agree that wireless networking represents the future of computer and Internet connectivity worldwide. WiFi continues to be the pre-eminent technology for building general-purpose wireless networks. In computer networking, wireless technology is a modern alternative to networks that use cables. ProActive Network Solutions utilizes the latest advances in WiFi technology to keep security, reliability, and productivity up while keeping costs down.

Wireless Network Design

• Enterprise WiFi Hotspots
• Outdoor Broadband Wireless/WiFi
• WiFi Cellular Boost / Signal Enhancement / Amplifiers Repeaters Installation
• Wireless Network Installations
• Wireless Security Audits
• Wireless Performance Audits
• Point-To-Point Wireless
• Point-To-Multi-Point Wireless
• Wireless Backhaul
• Mobile Wireless Access

Common applications include:

• Business customer aggregation
• Enterprise/Campus Inter-Building Connectivity
• City-Wide Municipal Networks
• Wireless Backhaul/Circuit Replacement

Wireless/WiFi network types include:

• 802.11a
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n
• Broadband/3G Cellular Data

WiFi/WLAN Network Design/Engineering

Deployment of a wireless network requires careful planning. Business requirements and objectives need to be evaluated and a site survey must be undertaken to determine possible sources of interference. WiFi networks can be tricky to implement in high interference areas, be incompatible with existing equipment, and can open up security risks. WLANs are best used in addition to, rather than a replacement of, wired networks. Our engineers will assure proper planning when designing and implementing your wireless network. The complexity of your network will vary depending on the obstacles within and the size of your facility.

Site Surveys

A site survey is always performed first. This is a physical survey of the customer's premises to locate the best possible places to install access points and ensure 100% wireless coverage and optimum performance.

Before installing any wireless devices we perform a radio frequency (RF) test in order to better understand the behavior of radio waves within a facility. This is recommended because various obstacles such as doors, walls, elevator shafts, and people might affect the radio frequency pattern, causing it to be irregular and unpredictable. Even if you are using omni-directional antennas, radio waves do not travel the same distance in all directions. The RF test can also detect any radio interference that might come from other sources and could affect the performance of the wireless LAN negatively. The ultimate goal of the site survey and RF test is to help determine the number and placement of access points.

Cisco Access Points - WLAN Installation

ProActive Network Solutions will integrate the WiFi system into your current network as well as install all the required wireless equipment and certify its operation. All cabling and power runs should be done and tested prior to the installation of access points.

Below is a list of activities that one might expect during an installation:

• Mounting of access points
• Installation of enclosures on case-by-case basis (physical security)
• Mounting of antennas
• Connection of antennas to access points
• Connection of Backbone LAN to access points
• Connection of power to access points
• Installation and connection of remote power system
• Verification of coverage

Configuration of access points and hardware to include:

• Proper firmware level
• Radio information (SSID, channel, bit rate)
• IP addresses
• Verification of backbone connectivity

The Advantages of WiFi Networks/WLANs

Mobility

The most obvious and significant advantage of WiFi networks. Workers can access shared resources without looking for a cable and a place to plug it in.

Range of Coverage

Coverage of a WLAN node can be extended through the use of access points.

Ease of Use

Users need very little information to take advantage of a WLAN because it is transparent to a users network operating system.

Installation Speed and Flexibility

Installation of a WLAN system can be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Furthermore, wireless LAN enables networks to be set up where wires might be impossible to install.

Scalability

Wireless networks can be designed to be extremely simple or complex. WiFi networks can support large numbers of nodes and large physical areas by adding access points to extend coverage.

Reduced Cost of Ownership

Particularly in dynamic environments requiring frequent modifications, thanks to minimal cabling and installation costs per device and user. WLANs simplify moving, additions, and changes, the indirect costs of downtime and administrative overhead are reduced.