Tips for managing wireless networks

Network managers deploying wireless LANs and supporting end users and applications on the unplugged environment have a lot to say about how to ensure wireless nets deliver on their promise.

For one, network managers say to truly depend on their wireless net as a primary source of services, reliability, security and costs need to improve. Until the costs come down though, savvy network managers take a few proactive steps to ensure reliability and security meet expected levels in the wireless environment.

When it comes to managing wireless, security takes an immediate priority and can't be overlooked when developing a management strategy, says John Tuman, director of network services at WakeMed Health & Hospitals in Raleigh, N.C.

"The security aspect of a wired network comes with it, it's built into the organization," he explains. "On the wireless side, security has to come first and foremost through data encryption. Wireless signals leak out through the walls and before you really start to worry about reliability, I'd say get security locked down."

Other tips Tuman says will help network mangers tackling wireless include "making a plan to add more access points. Every install we have done, we have always needed more either for better coverage or to increase density." And understand how the physical environment could change, Tuman says. Things like construction or moves can really wreak havoc on a wireless environment. Lastly, Tuman says client device support will become an issue for WLAN managers. "Try to get a handle on the types of devices you are going to have out there and understand what works well in your environment," he says.

John Turner, director of networks and systems at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass., says choosing the WLAN vendor is also critical to management and to do that properly, get a full-blown site assessment.

"I would recommend people go with centrally managed, lightweight access points and to perform a site assessment," Turner says. "It pays off in the end to put in the money and time investment upfront to get that full wireless survey done."