Going Wi-Fi: A Practical Guide to Planning and Building an 802.11 Network

Summary

Make informed decisions about planning and installing 802.11 "Wi-Fi" wireless networks. This book helps you tackle the challenge, whether installing Wi-Fi within an existing corporate network or setting up a wireless network from scratch in any business or organization. Author Janice Reynolds guides you through everything you need to know to do it right and to avoid pitfalls in security, reliability, and changing standards. The book explains the differences among the competing 802.11 standards, as well as the nuts and bolts of Wi-Fi hardware and software.

Wi-Fi has exploded in popularity because it offers high-speed connectivity and rapid deployment at a low cost. Many businesses have found that wireless networks can substantially increase productivity, for example by allowing real-time access to check product data during a client meeting, or by enabling work groups to collaborate more effectively when and where they choose without being tied to their network cables.

Going Wi-Fi details the current state of the technology and where it's going, with practical checklists and case studies to focus on the real-world context. The book covers crucial issues including:

• Untangling the "alphabet soup" of 802.11 standards
• Making smart choices in implementation in order to be positioned for changes in standards and technology
• Tackling the challenges of security and quality of service
• Purchasing Wi-Fi software and hardware: the equipment, connections, and key differences among leading competitors' offerings

Janice Reynolds is a writer, editor, speaker, and consultant in information technology and the Internet/intranet. Prior to starting her own consulting firm in 1995, Ms. Reynolds was the litigation manager of a large New York City law firm. She is the author of The Complete E-Commerce Book. She has edited numerous technical books and led several e-commerce development teams. Ms. Reynolds provides advice to numerous budding entrepreneurs as the "E-commerce Expert" on Allbusiness.com. She also consults with established companies concerning their technical needs.