Written by:
10/21/2008 12:41 PM 

Most businesses have either already deployed a wireless network of some sort or at least considered the pros and cons of wireless technology. Is wireless setup something you can do on your own or do you need help? If you are running an information technology business and have a strong background in IT, you may be able to do it on your own. If not, you should consider help, whether from a vendor or from hired talent.

If you have more than five employees assistant could be important for the installation of a secure and functional wireless network. The network can get more complicated as more users need to access it, especially if you want to manage access to information on your network according to an individual’s job function. When you find a vendor you trust, work out a service agreement to cover the initial installation and ongoing support (to troubleshoot problems that might occur and keep updated with changes in technology that might be related to security or performance of the network).

How will someone else be able to help? Here are some ways outside help can attend to the details of wireless networking and free you from involvement—except to benefit from the technology.

1. Tell you whether you really need a wireless network. Wireless networking is ideal when staff move from location to location (remote construction trailers for a construction firm, for example) or office to office (e.g., mobile sales staff or service technicians). Wireless networking can also be useful when you need to provide access to customers. (car dealership waiting room).
2. Can select the technology and solution that fits the needs of your business. Many vendors, big (Cisco) and smaller cater to the large enterprise market. Some vendors serve small and mid-sized businesses. Some work with both groups. If you’re not a Fortune 1000 company, you may want to deal with a vendor that understands the technical infrastructure needs for businesses of your size and will make an appropriate recommendation.
3. Identify possible interference problems. A room or office location can disrupt a wireless connection. It may be a cordless phone, the location of a filing cabinet, or a wall. An IT vendor or consultant can help identify areas that might cause interference, and where the best place in your office might be to locate your wireless access point.
4. Hook wireless up with an existing wired network. Having both wireless and wired network access can offer flexibility. For example, you can have more mobile employees, such as sales people or consultants, connect to the wireless network when they are in the office. Those who spend their days at the office can connect to the wired network.
5. Security issues. Drive-by hacking of home and business wireless networks has been fairly well-publicized. Security is another area where a vendor or consultant can really help. Wireless security has improved over the last few years; however, to the average user it can be a steep learning curve to select the right security and configure the network accordingly. 

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