SOHO WIRELESS INSTALLATION

Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) wireless installation/setup procedures



Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) wireless installation/setup Procedures

Introduction

Because of the relative immaturity of wireless technology, significant security concerns abound. Such techniques, encryption, and spreading codes should be considered on the basis of a risk analysis that weighs the costs and benefits of implementing these controls against the relative risks of exposure. This paper explains how to assess the most appropriate controls.

Wireless communications is a broad term that encompasses many communications technologies and architectures. Although the basic wireless technology is not new--radios have been with us for a long time--recent advances are making wireless communications a more viable business solution. In particular, the use of wireless Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) offers unique and specific advantages to business enterprises; it also creates unique risks if controls are not properly implemented (Brenton, 2001).

Wireless LANs have yet to make a major impact on the marketplace, in part because of the expense of components. However, new product offerings and more affordable pricing structures are beginning to make wireless Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) a realistic alternative. There have also been some barriers due to fears regarding frequency emanations, but nothing has yet to be proven on this issue to date. As wireless LANs become more affordable, it is envisioned that their use will expand rapidly. Revenue estimates for the wireless SOHO market are projected to be $500 million by 2010 (Middleton, 2004).

Several forces have contributed to the proliferation of wireless LANs. Probably the most significant is the rapid increase in the use of laptop, notebook, and portable computers. The number of portables is expected to reach 10 million in the next three years. Workers have come to rely on laptops for access to critical information and business processes. The boundaries of the office have been extended to all areas of life--hotel rooms, factory floors, airplanes, and even the beach (Ahuja, 2004). As the workforce becomes more transient, the demand for remote real time delivery of data, voice, and video transmission increases. Because wireless communications systems can reach areas that wired systems cannot, wireless systems are positioned to become a major factor in the development of any communications infrastructure (Pipkin, 2000).

Some of the application areas in which wireless LANs provide a competitive edge include:

Supporting such transient workers as consultants and salespeople and temporary sites, including field offices, trade shows, and conventions. The expense of cabling for such temporary and changing work sites would be prohibitive.

Ensuring continued operations during a disaster recovery effort. Wireless SOHO Network communications could be implemented in a short time period to support critical business applications. Interfaces could also be established to rapidly connect hot-site facilities and surviving wired network nodes.

Providing connectivity at locations that cannot support cabling through wails or ceilings. This includes older buildings with asbestos insulation or with concrete walls.

Supporting remote office locations. Employees at such locations may lack sufficient technical expertise to successfully run cable and configure communications devices; they may find it easier to ...