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Dos and don'ts for your wireless LAN

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Network World, 03/25/02

Location, location, location

  • Do perform extensive site surveys before deploying access points.

  • Don't forget to routinely check access point locations to see if any alteration in the surrounding environment will interrupt connectivity.

    Less is more

  • Do limit the number of protocols used. Sticking to TCP/IP will reduce chances of clogging the wireless LAN.

  • Don't deploy high-volume, bandwidth-hogging applications.

    Keep it simple

  • Do design an intuitive and simple user interface to help users acclimate.

  • Don't try to meet all user whims. Keep the wireless LAN as simple as possible.

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    Security smarts

  • Do employ user identification/password, encryption, authentication and other security measures. Firewalls and VPNs are options for smaller wireless LANs.

  • Don't trust the out-of-the-box security vendors offer.

    Standard issue

  • Do standardize access devices to ensure applications will work across laptops, PDAs and other handhelds.

  • Don't assume users will always respect corporate rules regarding the wireless LAN. Performing constant network discoveries may uncover unauthorized devices.

    - Denise Dubie, April Jacobs and Kathleen Ohlson

    Related links

    Contact Staff Writer Denise Dubie

    Other recent articles by Dubie

    Contact Senior Editor April Jacobs

    Other recent articles by Jacobs

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    Network World, 02/05/01.

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    Network World, 01/28/02.

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    Network World, 06/25/01.

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