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Wireless networking: delivering ROI to small business

Measurable return on investment (ROI) in terms of implementation costs and increased employee productivity is driving the rapid adoption of wireless networking in the small office environment. That is according to Perry Hutton, SMC product manager at Maxtec Peripherals, who says small businesses rapidly appreciate the value of setting up internal computer networks. "The ability for employees to share information found in files, databases and e-mail systems, as well as computer hardware resources, such as printers, scanners and servers, leads to an increase in efficiency in the workplace," says Hutton.

Perry Hutton

"The difference between a LAN (local area network) and a WLAN (wireless local area network) is found in the method of information transportation," he adds. "A LAN transports company information, files and applications over copper or fibre-optic cables while a WLAN transmits data, or information over radio waves."

Installing a WLAN eliminates having to bypass brick walls and other structures that make it difficult to run cables through an office. It also provides for staff mobility, allowing users to move from desk to conference room with their notebook computers.

"Taking this a step further, implementing WLANs in employees' homes allows users to realise the full benefits of mobility," Hutton says. He warns, however, that companies should exercise caution when purchasing a wireless solution.

"The multitude of industry standards - 802.11, 802.11b, 802.11a, Bluetooth - that govern the way that wireless networks function can cause confusion. Very simply, the difference between the two is that the 802.11 range allows for maximising the interoperability between vendors, enabling users to mix and match compliant products of their choice. Bluetooth, on the other hand, though effective when used with notebooks, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and cellular phones, is not as compatible and will not interoperate with other wireless vendor equipment."

Hutton says that it is accepted that 802.11b WLAN products have become the popular standard today. "The latest 802.11a products are more expensive and require more access points for the same coverage area that 802.11b access points can support."

"A small business' purchasing decision," Hutton says, "must be determined by its networking requirements. If the business needs support for a large number of users per access point and applications such as streaming video and voice communications are being used, then 802.11a is the better choice."

"However, in less sophisticated environments, 802.11b can be quite adequate if users do not have very high performance requirements."

Hutton says the choice becomes easy once the end user develops clarity about what a WLAN is, and the difference between the standards. "WLANs are simple, scalable and affordable," he concludes. "They also allow for increased mobility which, in turn, results in amplified efficiency. Once a WLAN has been installed, the business will find that, not only has it eliminated a mountain of cabling, but employees will be armed with the ability to work anywhere and at any time."

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