The decision is going to depend on your application requirements. We
generally recommend Wireless LANs where users need mobile connectivity (such
as when in conference rooms) or for small, ad-hoc offices as current
wireless LAN technology has several drawbacks.
Current 802.11 provides a theoretical maximum of 11 Mbps, but actual usable
bandwidth is likely to be more around the 5-6 Mbps range due to overhead,
and possibly lower depending on distance from base stations and the number
of users. 802.11b is a shared technology, so users are contending with each
other for available bandwidth. We've seen some instances where effective
bandwidth is only 2 Mbps per user.
There is no currently open, standards-based method to deliver QoS in 802.11b
though a proprietary approach called "Whitecap" has shown promise and is
currently being proposed as a standard.
Another concern with 802.11b is interference. 802.11b uses the unlicensed
bandwidth spectrum, the same bandwidth spectrum used by Bluetooth, wireless
phones, and other wireless devices. We've heard instances where Bluetooth
knocks out 802.11b when the transmitting stations are located very close to
one another.
Finally, there are security concerns over the effectiveness of current WEP
implementations. It may be that you'll have to wait for 802.11x for secure
access.
If you do decide to go to the wireless route, make sure you have a clear
upgrade path to 802.11a. 802.11a doesn't have the interference problems of
802.11b, and you can expect up to 54Mbps of bandwidth. AFAIK, Enterasys is
the only company shipping an access-point with 802.11b and 802.11a support.
So basically it is going to come down to your application requirements. If
your users require large, bulk data transfer, or video, or you plan on
providing VoIP, 802.11b is probably not a good choice. However, if all you
have are a few users in a location who need to access e-mail and the web,
and who frequently travel to conference rooms, then 802.11b is a good
alternative.
Irwin
-----
Irwin Lazar - [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Senior Consultant, The Burton Group
Office: 703-742-9659
Cell: 703-402-4119
http://www.tbg.com/
"The Ultimate Resource For Network Architects"
-----Original Message-----
From: Sites, Bob [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2001 6:10 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: wireless to desktop [7:3788]
Has anyone completely setup an entire bldg, multiple floors, with the
Aironet wireless to desktop? Was wondering what your opinions were of it. I
have a brand new 5 story bldg coming into my network and was considering
wireless rather that wasting all the money on wiring, fiber and closets. How
does the wireless compare to the conventional methods in $$$.
Bob Sites, CCNA
System Engineer
Valley Health System, IS Dept.
Message Posted at:
http://www.groupstudy.com/form/read.php?f=7&i=3823&t=3788
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