to bring network connectivity to hard-to-reach locations, such as a warehouse or
factory floor.
Scalability: A wireless LAN can typically expand with existing equipment, while a wired
network might require additional cables and other materials.
Security: Controlling and managing access to your wireless LAN is important to its
success. Advances in WiFi technology provide robust security protection, so your data is
easily available through the wireless LAN only to the people you allow access.
Cost: It can cost less to operate a wireless LAN, which eliminates or reduces wiring costs
during office moves, reconfigurations, or expansions.Using a Wireless LAN in Your Company
Here are some of the ways businesses are taking advantage of wireless LANs:
Increased Mobility and Collaboration: Employees who use your wireless LAN can
roam around the office or to different floors without losing their connection. Similarly,
Voice over Wireless LAN technology gives them roaming capabilities with their voice
communications.
Improved Responsiveness: A wireless LAN can improve customer service by connecting
employees to the information they need.
Better Access to Information: A wireless LAN allows a business to bring network access
to areas that would be difficult to connect to a wired network.
Easier Network Expansion. Companies that need to add employees or reconfigure offices
frequently can benefit from the flexibility that a wireless LAN provides.
Enhanced Guest Access: A wireless LAN allows your business to provide secure wireless
access to the Internet for guests, such as customers or business partners.Wireless LAN Topologies
Wireless communication takes place over free space through the use of radio frequency (RF)
signals. The theory behind RF signals can be complex, and is described further in the “RF
Overview” section in this chapter. For now, just assume that one device, the transmitter, sends RF
signals to another device, the receiver. As Figure 26-1 shows, the transmitter can contact the
receiver at any and all times, as long as both devices are tuned to the same frequency (or channel)
and use the same scheme to carry the data between them. That all sounds simple, except that it is
not really practical.