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I'm still not clear what WiFi is?
The easiest way to understand WiFi (wireless fidelity) is to think of it like a standard portable wireless home
telephone.The signal is transmitted from a base station, except you're receiving the signal to a computer, which
can move about. It’s very flexible.
Now that is simple. So how do I receive the wireless signal?
You need to install transmitters around your office. All new and recent laptops and some desktop computers
are now WiFi enabled to receive this signal as standard.
Then we’re all set. What kind of wireless coverage can I get at work?
As much as you like. It depends how many transmitters you install.
Can it link between buildings?
Yes. More powerful transmitter aerials can point to each other and link a network between buildings, as long as
they can 'see' each other.
I’ve heard I can also pick up a broadband network outside the office. Is this true?
Yes that’s right. Many public places such as airports, Starbucks cafés and gyms will let you on to their
broadband network for a subscription fee or on a one-off pay as you go system. It’s easy.
So if I go into a Starbucks, for example, and need to use broadband, what happens?
As soon as you switch on your internet browser, it will give you instructions as how to pay and ask how long you
want to use it for.
That’s very useful for business trips.
It is. BT even offer an open zone pass so you can use broadband in most places, and one company plans to
make it available over the whole of London's financial district.
How can I know where to access broadband through WiFi?
‘There are many hotspots where you can log in to a WiFi signal in the UK and all over the world – it’s now even
available near the North Pole! Check out this link (link here) to find out more.
Brrrr! Not sure I’m planning to go that far! Nearer home though, my laptop once picked up an unknown broadband
network automatically. How come?
It may have picked up a signal that isn’t secure and therefore doesn’t need an access code. This isn’t reliable
or recommended!
That reminds me. What about security concerns with WiFi?
In the office, the latest encryption system called WPA is regarded as secure. Security risks are usually more
about human error than technical problems, such as leaving passwords on stickies on your desktop. (You can
find out more about security here).
Oops! Sounds familiar! What about the security of data on my laptop when I’m out of the office?
Any laptop running Microsoft XP comes automatically with a protective firewall – but make sure you don’t turn it
off!
Phew. And what about if our visitors/clients with laptops want to log into our network using WiFi?
Using some Wireless Network base stations, you can supply them with basic broadband-only access. Naturally
data on your own corporate LAN network will be secured. Different levels are available, to visitors or staff.
That’s good, but isn’t it still safer to use a wired network?
Not necessarily, with the latest encryption. With wired, you’re already plugged into the network, but with WiFi you
need an extra password just to get to that level.
So why don't we just ditch wired broadband and go straight to WiFi?
Despite wireless advantages, wired is still faster (WiFi only downloads at 54 Megabits per second, whereas
wired can reach 100-1000 Mps). Wired is also more reliable, and has other benefits.
Thanks. WiFi is good, but I’d better still keep using the cables too.
Every organisation has its own set of issues and priorities. At Psychosis we work hard to keep
ahead of the
game on fighting Junk Mail. If you want to know what would be the most efficient
and cost-effective method
for you, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.
Also in this issue: Microsoft Outlook and What laptop?
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