Inexpensive Radius Server Gives Wireless Networks The Security They Need

Many small businesses have considered connecting computers and other devices to their corporate network via wireless (WiFi) connections, and a brave few have actually done so. Many of these early networks required that wireless devices be carefully placed within the building so that the wireless signal reached all intended recipients. Typically, these networks lacked adequate security features, which left them vulnerable to information and resource theft by unauthorized persons. These two problems have now been largely solved, meaning that it may be time for more small businesses to look into the potential advantages a wireless network can offer.

Wireless Networking Basics

Building a wireless network requires two distinct types of hardware components, wireless access points, and wireless access cards. The wireless access point is a device, which is attached to an existing computer network via a standard Ethernet cable. It has an antenna on it, which allows it to broadcast and receive signals from PCs and other devices. Each device wishing to communicate with the access point needs a wireless access card, which also contains an antenna. The current wireless standard, called 802.11g, allows for up to 54 megabits of data per second to be transmitted between the desired access point and the access card. While not quite as fast as wired networks, which typically run at 100 megabits to 1000 megabits per second, wireless networks offer more flexibility, and can be less expensive to install. This is especially true for older buildings where installing cable can become cost prohibitive.

Cutting Corners

Wireless networks use radio frequency waves to transmit information, and thus they are susceptible to being blocked by walls and other obstructions in a building. These obstructions can cause "dead zones" where the radio waves are unable to reach their intended recipients. Microwave ovens and other radio frequency emitting devices can also wreak havoc on wireless signals. The solution is to place your wireless access points strategically around your building so that interference is minimized. When the distance from a wireless access point to the wireless device is more than a few dozen meters, wireless repeaters can be installed to boost the signal. These repeaters can also be placed so that the wireless signals can be accessible from all corners of the building.

Wireless Network Security Solved

Installing a simple wireless network is pretty straightforward, but installing a secure wireless network can be substantially more difficult. However, an Ann Arbor company called Interlink Networks now offers their LucidLink products, which make installing comprehensive wireless network security a snap. Before LucidLink became available, an organization wishing to lock down their wireless network would need to hire expensive network security consultants to install and manage the wireless portion of the network. LucidLink packages all of this expertise into a software add-on that is so easy to use that even a small company's office manager can easily take control over who is accessing the company network via wireless. It goes above and beyond simple address authentication (standard with most wireless routers), and implements what is called a RADIUS server. RADIUS servers are what large organizations spend thousands of dollars installing and maintaining in order to secure their large (1000+ node) wireless networks. Until now, installing a RADIUS server was out of the price range for all but the largest companies. In contrast, LucidLink's product can be purchased for as little as $99 for a 3 user Home Office Edition, $449 for a 10 user version, and goes up to $3995 for a 250 user version.

Summary

While there are still issues with making sure that all areas of a building are covered, the current WiFi standard (802.11g) has a more powerful signal, meaning less emphasis needs to be placed on the locations of attached devices. However, it is still recommended that a professional site survey be done to verify that all required areas of the building can be reached by the wireless signal. Meanwhile, Interlink Networks has finally solved the security problem at a price that is affordable for small and medium sized business.

Terrence A. Weadock is the President and Founder of Dominant Systems Corporation, an Ann Arbor-based computer network solutions provider.
http://www.domsys.com

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Google News Updated : Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:54:08 GMT Botswana urges region not to recognize Mugabe's re-election - Xinhua Times Online Botswana urges region not to recognize Mugabe's re-election Xinhua - 2 hours ago JOHANNESBURG, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's government urged its neighbors Friday not to recognize Robert Mugabe's re-election, reiterating calls for Zimbabwe to be suspended from a regional bloc. African Union Weakened by Summit Inaction on Zimbabwe Voice of America West condemns Mugabe, ignores other Africa despots The Associated Press Telegraph.co.uk - Times Online - AFP - USA Today all 4,688 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:05:14 GMT On Independence Day, Think Fireworks Safety First - Washington Post Seattle Post Intelligencer On Independence Day, Think Fireworks Safety First Washington Post - 1 hour ago By Dennis Thompson FRIDAY, July 4 (HealthDay News) -- Fireworks can be breathtaking spectacles, creating glittering showers of sparks and earth-rumbling booms that thrill people for miles around. 2006: 11 dead, 9200 fireworks injuries United Press International Burned by fireworks? Here's what to do Seattle Post Intelligencer Bell Gardens Sun - NorthEscambia.com - Register Herald - Chester DailyLocal.com all 22 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 23:19:24 GMT Reaction to the death of Jesse Helms - The Associated Press Canada.com Reaction to the death of Jesse Helms The Associated Press - 2 hours ago Reaction to the death of former North Carolina Sen. Jesse Helms, who died on the Fourth of July at age 86: "Jesse Helms was a kind, decent, and humble man and a passionate defender of what he called "the Miracle of America. Video: A Look Back At Jesse Helms CBS Former Senator Jesse Helms dead at 86 Boston Globe AFP - RedOrbit - Salt Lake Tribune - Journal and Courier all 1,804 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 22:51:11 GMT RPT-China, Taiwan airlines to see lift from new flights - Reuters WELT ONLINE RPT-China, Taiwan airlines to see lift from new flights Reuters - 8 hours ago By Joseph Chaney TAIPEI, June 29 (Reuters) - Direct weekend flights between China and Taiwan starting this week are likely to give a boost to carriers on both sides of the Taiwan Strait at the expense of Hong Kong, but probably not until all ... China resumes direct flights to Taiwan after 60 years guardian.co.uk China-Taiwan direct: Readers react BBC News AFP - International Herald Tribune - Hindu - Voice of America all 852 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:46:40 GMT O's bats get revenge vs. Rangers - MLB.com Seattle Post Intelligencer O's bats get revenge vs. Rangers MLB.com - 1 hour ago By Spencer Fordin / MLB.com BALTIMORE -- Call it a down payment towards payback. The Orioles earned a small measure of revenge against the Rangers on Friday, courtesy of an 10-4 victory that was all but decided by the fourth inning. O's pound Rangers Sports Network Orioles score 8 off Padilla, beat Rangers 10-4 The Associated Press Rotoworld.com - TexasRangers.com - United Press International - Dallas Morning News all 147 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 23:43:39 GMT Federer One Away From Another Wimbledon Title - New York Times Federer One Away From Another Wimbledon Title New York Times - 5 hours ago By CHRISTOPHER CLAREY For the third straight year, the men’s final will be between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. And the women’s final will be the latest family affair between Venus Williams and her sister Serena. Federer, Nadal to meet for Wimbledon men's title Los Angeles Times Federer aims to keep winning in Nadal battle Financial Times Sports Network - ESPN - Bloomberg - FOXSports.com all 3,443 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:30:13 GMT 'Gonzo' diverting rehash of what a long, strange trip it's been - San Jose Mercury News 'Gonzo' diverting rehash of what a long, strange trip it's been San Jose Mercury News - 6 hours ago By Glenn Whipp With two volumes of letters, a handful of biographies, three previous documentary movies, two feature films and a comic strip character, not to mention a writing career spent mostly in the first person, is there anything that hasn't been ... The perfect subject for 'Gonzo' Seattle Post Intelligencer Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson Chicago Sun-Times Washington Post - TIME - Los Angeles Times - USA Today all 160 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:10:38 GMT Rss Feed Reader Increased Web Site Traffic

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