Close
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Latest News
    • Mobile

    E-Seminar Update: Wireless Lans

    By
    Matthew Hicks
    -
    May 28, 2001
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      What happens when two WLANs end up in the same location?

      If two 802.11b WLANs are set up in close proximity to each other, clients can see the access points of both WLANs. Access, however, is dependent upon user authorization and, if set up correctly, MAC address authorization. So users of one system should not be able to access another system without authorization. Unless there is high saturation of access points and clients in a small area, interference should not be a problem.

      We are implementing wireless systems on our college campus. Is interference from other electronic devices a problem?

      Because 802.11b WLANs share the same 2.4GHz band as some cordless phones and microwave ovens, among other things, the potential for interference exists. However, 802.11b equipment uses Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum to avoid interference. A site survey can pinpoint areas where interference might be a problem.

      Are there plans to update the WEP encryption standard to something less hackable?

      Yes, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is working on an updated standard for Wireless Equivalent Privacy to improve security, and equipment vendors are adding enhancements that make WEPs original security problems a nonissue.

      How bad is the security issue if you can transmit only in your building?

      Actually, tests have shown that WLAN transmissions can be received outside a building. Someone sitting in a car next to your building, for example, could receive transmissions.

      What is the timing and upgrade scenario for 802.11b to 802.11a?

      802.11b equipment thats capable of being upgraded to 802.11a will appear this summer, and volume shipments of 802.11a equipment will appear around the first quarter of next year.

      Is it best for an organization to wait for the 802.11a products to be released and jump in at that point?

      An analyst from Gartner Inc. was quoted in the eSeminar Special Report on WLANs as saying that there is a lot of life left in 802.11b, and that “a” has a lot of issues that need to be ironed out. (See the story at www.eweek.com/links.) A lot depends on how soon you want the technology.

      With 802.11a, is there a limitation on the number of access points that can be clustered?

      The 802.11a standard calls for a higher numbers of access points in a given area than 802.11b. When we can test 802.11a equipment in the real world, well see what the practical limit is.

      What are the concerns when operating Bluetooth and 802.11b networks in the same area?

      Interference is the biggest concern, but tests have shown that unless Bluetooth and 802.11b device saturation is inordinately high, the potential for interference is low. If a Bluetooth device is within 3 feet of an access point, however, throughput can be lowered.

      Matthew Hicks
      As an online reporter for eWEEK.com, Matt Hicks covers the fast-changing developments in Internet technologies. His coverage includes the growing field of Web conferencing software and services. With eight years as a business and technology journalist, Matt has gained insight into the market strategies of IT vendors as well as the needs of enterprise IT managers. He joined Ziff Davis in 1999 as a staff writer for the former Strategies section of eWEEK, where he wrote in-depth features about corporate strategies for e-business and enterprise software. In 2002, he moved to the News department at the magazine as a senior writer specializing in coverage of database software and enterprise networking. Later that year Matt started a yearlong fellowship in Washington, DC, after being awarded an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship for Journalist. As a fellow, he spent nine months working on policy issues, including technology policy, in for a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He rejoined Ziff Davis in August 2003 as a reporter dedicated to online coverage for eWEEK.com. Along with Web conferencing, he follows search engines, Web browsers, speech technology and the Internet domain-naming system.

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Android

      Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro: Durability for Tough...

      Chris Preimesberger - December 5, 2020 0
      Have you ever dropped your phone, winced and felt the pain as it hit the sidewalk? Either the screen splintered like a windshield being...
      Read more
      Cloud

      Why Data Security Will Face Even Harsher...

      Chris Preimesberger - December 1, 2020 0
      Who would know more about details of the hacking process than an actual former career hacker? And who wants to understand all they can...
      Read more
      Cybersecurity

      How Veritas Is Shining a Light Into...

      eWEEK EDITORS - September 25, 2020 0
      Protecting data has always been one of the most important tasks in all of IT, yet as more companies become data companies at the...
      Read more
      Cybersecurity

      Visa’s Michael Jabbara on Cybersecurity and Digital...

      James Maguire - May 17, 2022 0
      I spoke with Michael Jabbara, VP and Global Head of Fraud Services at Visa, about the cybersecurity technology used to ensure the safe transfer...
      Read more
      Big Data and Analytics

      GoodData CEO Roman Stanek on Business Intelligence...

      James Maguire - May 4, 2022 0
      I spoke with Roman Stanek, CEO of GoodData, about business intelligence, data as a service, and the frustration that many executives have with data...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2021 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

      ×