Executive Summary
Businesses should make use of wireless network technology, as it helps in multiples way discussed below. The recommendation is based on the evidence that WLAN provide an easier and more efficient way of running functions smoothly, especially in comparison to wired network.
Background and introduction
It is important to know what is wireless network and how does it function differently from a wired network and most importantly, how can businesses benefit from this facility? We will answer these questions one by one to establish the need of wireless networks in effectively running the businesses.
A wireless local area network, also known as LAN or WLAN, is a facility which uses radio waves to connect multiple devices such as laptops to the internet and other applications. If a laptop needs to connect to WiFi at a café or airport lounge, then it is connected to that businesses’ wireless network.
A wireless network provides multiple benefits over wired networks. Wired network connect devices using cables and Ethernet port to the network’s router and therefore limits the connectivity of number of devices and limits the mobility.
Criteria and Course of Action
Criteria chosen for the choice are given below:
- Convenience
- Mobility
- Productivity
- Easy Setup
- Cost
The following chart compares chosen criteria with the course of action (wireless over wired) selected.
Summary of Analysis
A wireless network is much more convenient than a wired one as it is more convenient, easier to set up, provides easy access, is less costly, and is easier to mobilize. It is more convenient because it provides access to network resources from any location in the office. It is more mobile because it no longer keeps you tied to a cable for connectivity. Wherever you go, the network goes too. It also helps the employees in getting job done more quickly by having quicker access to the network files and documents.
Furthermore, wireless network is easy to setup. The reason is because it is much less complicated compared to cables and wires in an office network. The main advantage of a wireless network is its cost effectiveness. It costs less as it reduces wiring costs and less operation cost as well. It is much more cost-effective in comparison to wired networks .
It is also important that for good results of WLAN usage, the access point should not be shared with more than 20 users. Normally, if the access point is over-shared then it may slow down the process and wireless connectivity, but it is kept limited and exclusive for a group of people then multiple access points can be taken to share within a limited number of people, and different access points can be assigned to different users. The business network should also have voice over internet protocol (VOIP) which limits the usage point to 8-12 users. His also prevents possible degradation in voice quality.
Conclusion All in all, businesses will have lower costs and increased productivity if they incorporate wireless networking in the office.
Supporting Material
Impact of Wireless Networks in offices and businesses
Every business has limited time for productivity and every minute counts in a business environment, especially in small companies. Wireless networks are powerful tools which help in boosting productivity and encourage information sharing. It provided untethered sharing of documents, applications, email and other network resources. It gives freedom to employees for freely roaming around and gives them constant access to the tools and facilities required to carry out their job.
We will discuss some advantages of wireless LANs at offices.
1. Increased mobility and collaboration
- It gives freedom to roam around, if required, without losing the connection and hence important work will not be lost in case of emergencies.
- Work together and more effectively. Employees who require using wireless LAN can roam around to different floors without losing the signals. If a meeting is going in or a small conference, imagine having access to up-to-the-minute communication and to all documents and application all the time on the network. They can even send out voice communications based on the wireless network.
2. Improved responsiveness
- Connecting to information when it is needed
- Providing better and improved customer services
Customers of a retail store may want quick responses to their queries and concerns, and may encourage increased buying pattern. A wireless network will help in improving customer services by connecting the staff of the store to the information they always require. Example of this can be explained through a doctor’s clinic, a doctor can access online patient files while examining them while moving them through the rooms. Another example for this can be on a retail store that the retail sales person can check on the inventory level necessary for the orders.
3. Improved access to information
- Connect hard-to-reach areas
- Improves the processes.
Wireless LAN allows the businesses to bring network access in the areas which are otherwise hard to connect or hard to get access in and connectivity to those areas is difficult in normal cases through a wired network. For instance, in a warehouse, adding wireless access points will make it much easier to check and manage and maintain inventory, providing complete and accurate information about the inventory in real time.
4. Easier expansion in network
- Add users quickly
- Grow networks in cost-effective way
Companies may need to add employees all the time to update their employee database, and reconfigure offices frequently. It can benefit from the wireless LANS provided in such cases as well. Desks can moved and new employees can easily be made a part of the network without bearing additional high costs or run complicated cables and wires.
5. Enhanced access for guests
- Provides secure access of network to customers and the partners of the business
- Offer value-added services.
A wireless network allows the businesses to provide a secure access of wireless network of internet to guests such as customers or business partners. Hotels, restaurants and retailers and any public-facing businesses can really benefit from this option of wireless networks. This can be a unique and value-added service given to maintain good relations. A need to rapidly update inventory and retail stores and distribution centers use the LAN network for their needs of reconfigurations of store layout and provide data and voice connectivity within the business. It also has a danger of data loss or theft.
Additionally, every office in today’s world, especially the metropolitan areas, are exposed to wireless threats. But it still remains important and multiple security tools are installed to counter that problem and it is also an important fact that 95% of laptops have WLAN facility and it is important to use it.
As noted above, security may be a threat for WLAN networks and the solution for that threat is the following:
- Data encryption: Making access available to only authorized users to gain information which is shared on the network. This way only authorized parties can be assigned a shared password who can access and this will eliminate the chances of theft, and also incorporate accountability for everyone who is able to access the information.
- User authentication: this is a way to identify anyone trying to access the network and will maintain a record of who accessed what at what timings. This will ensure transparency and ensure no misuse of data occurs.
- Secure access for visitors and guests, and providing them an access code as well and ensuring that they are given limited access, and as much as they require.
- Control systems to protect laptops and other devices connected to the network. An internal security system should be available in every device to ensure that the data is not manipulated in any way.
Normally, wireless networks and ranges are widely used by line-of-sight and open are environments such as cafes and hotels.
Works Cited
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