Tips

Tips

Wireless LAN (WLAN)

• Myths and realities of a Wi-Fi 6 upgrade

  Despite the promise of high data rates, longer client battery life and more efficient radio techniques, enterprises need to weigh Wi-Fi 6's limitations.  Continue Reading

• The 4 different types of wireless networks

  The four types of wireless networks -- wireless LAN, wireless MAN, wireless PAN and wireless WAN -- differ when it comes to size, range and connectivity requirements.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot wireless network connection problems in 10 steps

  When troubleshooting wireless network issues, several scenarios can emerge. But valuable end-user insights can help network administrators root out problems.  Continue Reading

• Setting up and using a home VLAN to segment network traffic

  Virtual LANs can help homeowners segment their network traffic for enhanced control and security. Network analyst John Fruehe takes you inside his home VLANs.  Continue Reading

• 3 types of wireless site surveys and how to conduct them

  Network teams can avoid signal coverage issues by performing different wireless site surveys as they evaluate new spaces, set up sites and operate the network.  Continue Reading

• How and why to implement Wi-Fi QoS

  Quality of service, as network pros know, prioritizes apps as they cross the network. But Wi-Fi QoS needs to be considered, too, in relation to the overall network.  Continue Reading

• Compare low-power Wi-Fi protocols and their roles in IoT

  Wi-Fi means more than faster speeds. Low-power Wi-Fi will help companies improve the efficiency of their IoT deployments, thanks to longer signal range and power consumption features.  Continue Reading

• How to build a private 5G network architecture

  A private 5G network could provide organizations with greater control over their wireless environments. But cost and complexity could be critical deterrents.  Continue Reading

• Top 5G limitations and challenges for businesses

  Currently, the next wave of cellular technology certainly has its shortcomings. For instance, 5G faces a dearth of devices, smaller coverage ranges and hefty premiums.  Continue Reading

• How to secure your home Wi-Fi network in 7 steps

  When securing home Wi-Fi, update devices regularly, change passwords consistently and consider splitting your WLAN into two segments: one for work and one for play.  Continue Reading

• How Wi-Fi experts can help during times of crisis management

  When faced with disaster response, wireless network professionals can volunteer their Wi-Fi skills and advise friends and family about home network security.  Continue Reading

• How to handle vendor code bugs in enterprise Wi-Fi networking

  Too many features in Wi-Fi devices can breed some serious code bugs. One coping mechanism is to seek help from fellow customers and network integrators.  Continue Reading

• Watch for these 6 wireless networking trends in 2020

  No doubt you've heard about 5G and Wi-Fi 6. But don't forget other wireless trends emerging in 2020, such as CBRS, dynamic spectrum sharing and Open RAN.  Continue Reading

• How businesses can gear up for Wi-Fi 6 hardware

  The latest wireless standard, Wi-Fi 6, is coming to an enterprise near you. As a result, businesses will need to plan accordingly as they evaluate Wi-Fi 6 devices.  Continue Reading

• 5G indoor coverage poses problems for office buildings and operators

  The millimeter waves of 5G have trouble penetrating walls and other structures, which presents significant challenges for carriers as they plan 5G indoor coverage.  Continue Reading

• Assess the Wi-Fi 6 features available in Wave 1 and Wave 2

  Catch up on the different features available with the first wave of Wi-Fi 6, including OFDMA and Target Wake Time, and find out which capabilities Wave 2 will bring.  Continue Reading

• 5G frequency spectrum forces new look at coverage strategies

  New 5G frequency allocations will help make it an amazing technology, but it will also force a rethinking of how those signals are transmitted.  Continue Reading

• 5G vs. LTE: Comparing speed, spectrum and latency

  The debate between 5G and LTE largely comes down to speed and spectrum. But latency and wired network implications are also important differentiators.  Continue Reading

• The benefits of Wi-Fi 6 and how to prepare for them

  In order to glean the benefits of Wi-Fi 6, enterprises first need to determine the best steps for a migration strategy. Two key steps are implementing more power and faster uplinks.  Continue Reading

• Discover the wireless certifications that matter

  Find out which wireless certifications are worth pursuing with this expert advice that dives into vendor-specific, vendor-neutral and specialized certification options.  Continue Reading

• What are the features and benefits of 5G technology for businesses?

  In addition to high speeds and low latency, the emergence of 5G cellular technology could put some pressure on the market prices of incumbent WAN connectivity.  Continue Reading

• 5 ways 802.11ax benefits enterprise Wi-Fi networks

  The advantages of 802.11ax -- the upcoming wireless standard -- are deemed impressive, significant and revolutionary. See how the technology could benefit your business.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between 802.11ax vs. 802.11ac?

  When considering 802.11ax vs. 802.11ac, the new Wi-Fi standard has a lot to offer. What new capabilities should you expect from the new spec, also known as Wi-Fi 6?  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6 and IoT could threaten the network

  New advances in Wi-Fi technology -- like Wi-Fi 6 -- and IoT can create bottlenecks in legacy campus LANs due to increased throughput consumption and slower uplink speeds.  Continue Reading

• Wireless capacity more important than fast Wi-Fi 6 speed

  Wi-Fi 6 speed may be getting all the attention, but the most compelling advantages of the new standard are techniques engineered to increase wireless capacity.  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi 6 vs. 5G networks is more about cooperation than competition

  While Wi-Fi 6 and 5G might experience some interference with each other, enterprises should focus on the handoff of connections between the two technologies.  Continue Reading

• Should you buy 802.11ax devices before the Wi-Fi standard is ratified?

  The Wi-Fi 6 standard has not been ratified yet, but enterprises are faced with a decision. Should they buy 802.11ax devices now or wait for the standard to be approved?  Continue Reading

• Take steps now to ready your network for 802.11ax specification

  The 802.11ax specification promises higher speeds and lower latency. Preparing now will help you make the transition easier. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• Wireless network configuration basics: 5 steps to follow

  Different wireless networks have different requirements. However, some common principles exist for strategizing your wireless network configuration steps.  Continue Reading

• 6 steps to troubleshoot Wi-Fi network issues

  In a business setting, as you troubleshoot Wi-Fi network issues, these six steps provide a foundation to get you started and keep you grounded when wireless problems hit.  Continue Reading

• Wireless-first networks verge on wireless-only, but concerns remain

  A wireless-first strategy could spread among enterprises and proceed toward wireless-only. IT staff, however, should heed concerns around capacity, management and cost.  Continue Reading

• Benefits of wireless networks extend to disaster recovery plans

  In a business continuity and disaster recovery plan, IT resilience is key. Find out how the benefits of wireless networks can help keep businesses running.  Continue Reading

• When is it best to deploy a mesh Wi-Fi network?

  Recent advances in mesh Wi-Fi network technologies mean mesh Wi-Fi can better compete with wired WLAN implementations for some use cases, including outdoor environments.  Continue Reading

• A security requirements checklist for everything mobile

  This mobile security requirements checklist outlines the vital steps for information security professionals to follow to improve mobile security in their companies.  Continue Reading

• Need help making Wi-Fi secure? Consider some 'classic' approaches

  Keeping your Wi-Fi secure is a challenge, to say the least. Security hasn't kept up with Wi-Fi advances, but there are steps you can take to keep your Wi-Fi network protected.  Continue Reading

• Prevent IP address conflicts on your wireless network with DHCP scopes

  Many wireless APs are set by default to act as DHCP servers, which can create IP address conflicts in your wireless network. Learn how to use DHCP scopes to manage your wireless environment.  Continue Reading

• Looking at the future of wireless technology at CES 2016

  The CES 2016 consumer electronics show offers insight into the future of enterprise wireless technology. Here's what IT should expect.  Continue Reading

• Understanding your wireless LAN controllers

  WLAN is often described with three planes: data, control and management. The role of the control plane, and the wireless LAN controllers, is the most difficult of these to understand.  Continue Reading

• WLAN 2016 technology trends

  As we look ahead in the new year, wireless LAN 2016 technology trends include 802.11ac Wave 2, analytics, 2.5/5/10 Gbps, LTE conflicts and the Internet of Things.  Continue Reading

• Has the time for wireless enterprise networks arrived?

  Is it time for Wi-Fi to become the primary access method for enterprise users?  Continue Reading

• Wi-Fi Aware and its impact on the enterprise

  Wi-Fi Aware offers application-driven, personalized, proximity-based services that detect local capabilities. What does the new face of Wi-Fi innovation look like?  Continue Reading

• Using quality of experience to boost mobile user experience

  Quality of experience is a handy way to measure mobile users' experience with application performance. But understanding all of the components that comprise QoE is another task entirely.  Continue Reading

• Next-generation Wi-Fi: How SDN changes the wireless landscape

  The future is now. SDN technologies are quickly becoming central to vendors' next-generation Wi-Fi products and services -- and their role will only increase.  Continue Reading

• IT managers should focus on capacity, not wireless throughput

  Wireless throughput is getting faster, but capacity is the measure you should really be studying.  Continue Reading

• How indoor mesh wireless solved an outdoors problem

  Using an approach engineered for indoor deployments helped this system administrator solve a network connection problem in the great outdoors.  Continue Reading

• Seven wireless networking trends to remember

  Wireless networking is empowering, but it comes with a fair amount of complexity. Stay clear-headed and understand your own needs and constraints, even as the fog gathers around you.  Continue Reading

• Three ways to measure wireless network performance

  Trying to find ways to assess your wireless network performance? Here are some tools that can help.  Continue Reading

• Don't ignore this great wireless training resource

  Online wireless support communities are a great resource for IT professionals who need their questions answered quickly.  Continue Reading

• The simple facts behind antenna basics

  No matter how expensive your wireless system may be, its performance depends on the strength of its antennas.  Continue Reading

• WLAN AP reviews: Aruba instant access points

  Aruba's series of IAP-225 access points promises quick provisioning and quick configuration, analyst Craig Mathias writes.  Continue Reading

• WLAN AP reviews: Meru access points

  This 802.11ac product review of Meru Networks AP822 WLAN access points focuses on the advantages of high-capacity and plug-and-play capabilities.  Continue Reading

• How to buy: What to look for in 802.11ac access points

  If you're in the market for 802.11ac access points for your wireless LAN, find out what features are essential when it's time to buy.  Continue Reading

• Wireless expense management shouldn't spook employees

  Tom Nolle discusses the dos and don'ts of wireless accounting and the steps enterprises must take to address BYOD expense management.  Continue Reading

• How to manage bandwidth hogs of the mobile device age

  Personal mobile devices will hog your network resources unless you are prepared. Here is what network admins must do now.  Continue Reading

• Wireless security options don't have to break the bank

  Security expert Michele Chubirka shares low-cost and free options available to help your company guard its wireless LANs against threats.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise wireless standards: The basics

  Glen Kemp discusses the standards and protocols that support enterprise-class wireless deployments and how they differ from consumer configurations.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating business and technology needs for a robust enterprise WLAN

  It is crucial to assess business and technology issues driving the need for a robust and capable enterprise WLAN to support a new mobile workforce.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating wireless LAN requirements: What to consider before buying

  When considering a WLAN solution for your enterprise, you'll have to start by assessing the wireless LAN requirements necessary.  Continue Reading

• Ten questions to ask WLAN vendors when evaluating WLAN solutions

  Once IT professionals have developed a mobility plan, it is crucial to address particular questions with WLAN vendors when assessing WLAN solutions.  Continue Reading

• Benefits of WLAN infrastructure as the primary access network

  Many companies see the benefits of WLAN infrastructure as primary access network, but some need it more than others. Understanding the gains is key.  Continue Reading

• Ensuring wireless network optimization for application performance

  Wireless LANs are faster than ever, but engineers must still ensure wireless network optimization for maximum application performance.  Continue Reading

• Tools to improve wireless video performance

  Seeking to improve wireless video delivery? The answer could be in proprietary network enhancements and WLAN performance measurement tools.  Continue Reading

• WLAN design for optimized Wi-Fi video delivery

  Wi-Fi video can tax networks, so engineers should use a number of WLAN design tactics to optimize wireless video delivery for enterprise users.  Continue Reading

• How to design and tune a WLAN to support mobile VDI clients

  In order to support tablets and smartphones as mobile VDI clients, engineers will have to build WLANs with plenty of bandwidth and as little interference as possible.  Continue Reading

• Optimizing network performance for WLAN real-time applications

  Transitioning to WLAN calls for network infrastructure upgrades, making supporting real-time applications tricky. This guide explains strategies for optimizing network performance.  Continue Reading

• Network energy efficiency starts in the LAN closet

  Many look to data center servers and storage to cut power use, but network energy efficiency can start inside the LAN closet with switches, routers and security devices.  Continue Reading

• Understanding gigabit Wireless LAN: 802.11ac and 802.11ad

  Just when enterprises are getting comfortable with 802.11n technology, enter gigabit wireless LAN standards 802.11ad and 802.11ac, which could produce draft products in a year.  Continue Reading

• Controlling embedded Wi-Fi device access

  Enterprise IT shops are finding themselves using WPA2-Personal and other authentication methods to manage embedded Wi-Fi devices on the WLAN.  Continue Reading

• Wireless LAN access control: Managing users and their devices

  Wireless LAN access control may not be as simple as 802.1X authentication. Network managers will have to shoot for policy creation, device fingerprinting and network integration.  Continue Reading

• Securing the wireless guest network: Authentication and management

  If you're implementing an enterprise-class wireless guest network, tighter security is crucial. A guest wireless LAN must support better visibility and user control.  Continue Reading

• How to ensure WLAN performance optimization

  To ensure wireless LAN performance optimization, you’ll need to implement new WLAN measurement and testing tools and conduct WLAN performance testing periodically even after network implementation.  Continue Reading

• Wireless LAN troubleshooting: How to get proactive

  Wireless LAN troubleshooting and WLAN diagnostics can be done proactively with a new set of tools, including WLAN managers and distributed sensor platforms that track and problem solve on complex networks.  Continue Reading

• Integrated wireless network management systems work across infrastructures

  Enterprises must implement integrated wireless network management systems that are user-aware and offer end-to-end visibility but also provide the drill-down capabilities of wired network management systems.  Continue Reading

• Preparing your wired network for wireless network integration

  Wireless LAN integration means upgrading wired networks with new equipment and traffic prioritization to avoid bottlenecks between the networks and provide QoS for wireless multimedia applications, including WLAN voice and video.  Continue Reading

• How to reach maximum 802.11n speed and throughput

  Vendors promise 802.11n WLAN speed of 600 Mbps, but users find they can realistically reach about 300 Mbps. In order to maximize 802.11n speed and throughput, users find they must have just the right AP configuration and use of antennas.  Continue Reading

• Wireless or Ethernet LAN? An apples-to-apples cost comparison

  Now that 802.11n has made wireless LAN faster and more reliable, network administrators are wondering: Wireless or Ethernet LAN? Until now Ethernet replacement hasn't been feasible, but 802.11n WLAN benefits are much more tangible now.  Continue Reading

• Integrating wired and wireless LANs: Making the business case

  With improved 802.11n performance, wireless LAN ports are overtaking Ethernet in the enterprise, and networking teams are pressed to find solutions for integrated wired and wireless network management.  Continue Reading

• How to plan for 802.11n wireless LAN upgrades

  802.11n WLAN upgrades mean more than just implementing new antennas and access points. 802.11n network requirements include the need for more power and controller capacity, as well as complex management and monitoring tools.  Continue Reading

• Deploying 802.11n access points: Best practices

  802.11n access points offer greater speed, footprint and ability to support demanding applications than their 802.11a/b/g counterparts, but they require different configuration, monitoring and management. Learn strategies for 802.11n deployment.  Continue Reading

• 802.11n's impact on WLAN security

  802.11n wireless LANs offer many benefits over 802.11a/b/g for not only performance but also network security. However, 802.11n can also bring new security threats. As businesses move full steam ahead toward bigger, faster WLANs, many factors must ...  Continue Reading

• How to use Netsh WLAN to configure Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista wireless connections from t

  Learn how to configure wireless networking connections, specifically, Windows Server 2008 Windows Vista wireless connections, from the command line interface (CLI) using Netsh WLAN. Figure out how to add or delete profiles and connect or disconnect ...  Continue Reading

• How to avoid the WPA wireless security standard attack

  The latest crack in wireless Internet security, specifically, the Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) security standard, can threaten the safety of enterprise networks and company information or data. This tip shows the best way to avoid being victimized ...  Continue Reading

• IEEE 802.11w protects wireless LAN management frames

  The IEEE 802.11w wireless encryption standard builds on the 802.11i framework to protect against subtle attacks on wireless LAN (WLAN) management frames. It will increase the confidence of network managers that applications such as wireless VoIP can...  Continue Reading

• Measure wireless network performance using testing tool iPerf

  In this tip, learn how to measure wireless networking performance with iPerf -- a tool that calculates TCP/UDP, throughput, loss and delay. Eliminate jitter, isolate bottlenecks of traffic, or monitor Wi-Fi or AP performance using this open source ...  Continue Reading

• Understanding 802.11n wireless antennas

  Learn how 802.11n wireless antennas have been improved to increase network footprint, available bandwidth and resilience to problems that crippled older 802.11a/b/g access points, and how improved speed and capacity is made possible using techniques...  Continue Reading

• Wireless security -- Defending Wi-Fi clients

  When it comes to wireless security, considerable attention has been paid to encrypting data, authenticating users, restricting access, and detecting rogue access points. As these network and link defenses improve, however, attackers have started to ...  Continue Reading

• Configure Cisco wireless bridges for point-to-point networking

  Point-to-point wireless bridging is ideal for many business networks. In this tip, learn how point-to-point wireless bridging can help you, the pros and cons of using it, and the configuration of the Cisco wireless bridges that make it work. The ...  Continue Reading

• Wireless Internet access -- 3G vs. Wi-Fi

  Most road warriors have just two truly viable alternatives for wireless Internet access: 3G and Wi-Fi. In this tip, Lisa Phifer covers the pros and cons of 3G and Wi-Fi for coverage, convenience, capacity, control and cost.  Continue Reading

• Understanding wireless antennas -- Part 2

  Upgraded antennas can improve wireless LAN performance, reach and security.  Continue Reading

• VLANs -- Controlling wired and wireless traffic

  Today, most business networks rely on virtual LANs (VLANs) to partition Ethernets and control the destinations reached by each worker. As users begin to shift between Ethernet and Wi-Fi throughout the work day, it makes sense to apply VLANs to both ...  Continue Reading

• Understanding wireless antennas - part 1

  Types of wireless LAN antennas, including omni-directional monopole and dipole antennas, are explained in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Cisco wireless access point configuration from scratch

  Learn what the Cisco 1242 wireless access point can do for you and how to configure one from scratch. This tip covers basic security settings, enabling the wireless radios, and how to make a successful connection. The 1242AG is a powerful ...  Continue Reading

• Router Expert: Building a WLAN proxy server, implementing ASR

  Using application service redirection (ASR) in the wireless LAN environment provides guest users enough information to be able to get access without the need for direct support.  Continue Reading

• Router Expert: Building a WLAN proxy server, implementing WPAD

  Router expert Michael Martin continues his discussion of building a WLAN proxy server by explaining how to implement Web Proxy Auto Discovery Protocol (WPAD), which will allow guest users to automatically discover the wireless network.  Continue Reading

• Cisco WLAN design best practices

  Wireless LAN (WLAN) technology has built-in security features, but a one-size-fits-all approach won't ensure adequate security for your organization. This tip provides best practices for designing your security architecture, including user community...  Continue Reading

• Wireless connections with ad hoc networks

  Ad hoc wireless networking in Windows Vista with the IPv6 protocol has its risks, but it also has several built-in security mechanisms. In this tip, Brien Posey explains how these security features help counteract some risks of wireless networks.  Continue Reading

• Router Expert: Building a WLAN proxy server, DHCP services: Part 1

  Router expert Michael Martin discusses DHCP implementation options and provides sample configurations to support various SSID network models in this continuation of his series on building a WLAN proxy server.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting wireless networks: A systematic approach

  Troubleshooting wireless networks can take up a lot of time for network operations staff with a wireless LAN (WLAN) environment. Wireless guru Lisa Phifer discusses the tools and processes involved and breaks down how to approach and resolve ...  Continue Reading

• Configuring and troubleshooting wireless LAN clients

  An understanding of wireless LAN (WLAN) client and WLAN access point communication mechanisms is critical to anyone attempting to initially connect or troubleshoot a WLAN connection. In this tip, Robbie Harrell discusses some of the issues that can ...  Continue Reading

• Router Expert: Initial configuration of a Cisco 1200 802.11g WLAN access point

  Our router expert continues his series on building a secure wireless LAN with a Linux base. This article explains how to utilize a single Cisco 1200 series access point to provide access to three different IP network segments using VLANs and ...  Continue Reading