WIRELESS SOLUTIONS
The wireless network allows customers the freedom to make use of Wi-Fi® enabled devices to connect to the Internet without needing to plug in a cable. It offers fast, reliable connections at data rates of up to 300Mbps. The service supports 802.11g and 802.11n with support for the latest 802.11ac standard in selected areas.The service provides coverage in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz wavebands.
Staff and students can authenticate using WPA2 enterprise authentication. This provides users with a secure network connection which prevents eavesdropping.
The vast majority of wireless devices are capable of using this standard and it is always worth checking with the manufacturer for software updates.
Wireless Network Area Network (WLAN):
The mobile user requires the same accessibility, security, quality-of-service (QoS), and high availability currently enjoyed by wired users.
Whether you are at work, at home, on the road, locally or internationally, there is a need to connect. The technological challenges are apparent, but to this end, mobility plays a role for everyone.
Companies are deriving business value from mobile and wireless solutions. What was once a vertical market technology is now mainstream, and is an essential tool in getting access to voice, real-time information, and critical applications such as e-mail and calendar, enterprise databases, supply chain management, sales force automation, and customer relationship management. WLAN Solution Benefits:
WLANs provide the user with a new way to communicate while accommodating the way business is done now. The following benefits are achieved by WLANs:
• Mobility within building or campus—Facilitates implementation of applications that require an always-on network and that tend to involve movement within a campus environment.
• Convenience—Simplifies networking of large, open people areas.
• Flexibility—Allows work to be done at the most appropriate or convenient place rather than where a cable drop terminates. Getting the work done is what is important, not where you are.
• Easier to set-up temporary spaces—Promotes quick network setup of meeting rooms, war rooms, or brainstorming rooms tailored to variations in the number of participants.
• Lower cabling costs—Reduces the requirement for contingency cable plant installation because the WLAN can be employed to fill the gaps.
• Easier adds, moves, and changes and lower support and maintenance costs—Temporary networks become much easier to set up, easing migration issues and costly last-minute fixes.
• Improved efficiency—Studies show WLAN users are connected to the network 15 percent longer per day than hard-wired users.
• Productivity gains—Promotes easier access to network connectivity, resulting in better use of business productivity tools. Productivity studies show a 22 percent increase for WLAN users.
• Easier to collaborate—Facilitates access to collaboration tools from any location, such as meeting rooms; files can be shared on the spot and requests for information handled immediately.
• More efficient use of office space—Allows greater flexibility for accommodating groups, such as large team meetings.
• Reduced errors—Data can be directly entered into systems as it is being collected, rather than when network access is available.
• Improved efficiency, performance, and security for enterprise partners and guests—Promoted by implementing guest access networks.
• Improved business resilience—Increased mobility of the workforce allows rapid redeployment to other locations with WLANs.