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Wireless networks or WiFi (as wireless connections are commonly known) have several key business advantages over wired networks.

Advantages of wireless networking

Increased efficiency

Improved data communications lead to faster transfer of information within businesses and between partners and customers. For example, salespeople can remotely check stock levels and prices while on sales calls.

Access and availability

Because wireless technology allows the user to communicate while on the move, you are rarely out of touch - you don't need extra cables or adaptors to access office networks.

Flexibility

Office-based wireless workers can network without sitting at dedicated computers and can continue to do productive work while away from the office. This can lead to new styles of working, such as home working or direct access to corporate data while on customer sites. See more on employees working from home.

Cost savings

Wireless networks can be easier and cheaper to install, especially in listed buildings or where the landlord will not permit the installation of cables.

New opportunities

Wireless networking could allow you to offer new products or services. For example, many airport departure lounges, train stations, hotels, cafes and restaurants have installed 'hot spot' WiFi services to allow mobile users to connect their equipment to their 'home' offices while travelling.

Disadvantages of wireless networking

Despite the many benefits that wireless can claim over wired networks, there are also potential WiFi disadvantages to keep in mind.

Security

Wireless transmission is more exposed to attacks by unauthorised users, so you must pay particular attention to securing your wireless systems.

Installation problems

You may experience interference if others in the same building also use wireless technology, or where other sources of electromagnetic (radio) interference exist. This could lead to poor communication or, in extreme cases, complete loss of wireless communication.

Coverage

In some buildings, getting consistent coverage can be difficult, leading to 'black spots' where the signal isn't available. For example, in structures built using steel reinforcing materials, you may find it difficult to pick up the radio frequencies used.

Transmission speeds

Wireless transmission can be slower and less efficient than 'wired' networks. In larger wireless networks, the 'backbone' network is usually wired or fibre rather than wireless.

A local area network (LAN) without cables is called a wireless LAN (WLAN).

What is wireless LAN?

WLANs are data networks that allow computer systems to connect together through a wireless radio connection so that they can share data and access external networks, such as the internet. You can connect WLAN-enabled devices anytime they are in a WLAN's range.

How to set up a wireless local area network?

All you need to set up a WLAN is:

• an access point to allow devices to communicate with each other
• adapters for each PC, laptop and handheld device

The term Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) is often used in connection with WLANs. Wi-Fi refers to a set of industry standards called IEEE 802.11 that most WLANs are built to. Read more about WLAN standards.

Advantages of wireless LAN

WLANs can broadly do anything that a 'wired' LAN can do, without the messy cables between the user device and the network. A wireless set-up can:

• enable workers to share a network and hardware
• allow workers to remain online even if they move their laptop, netbook, tablet or other mobile devices around the wireless-enabled space
• provide for greater flexibility in an office, eg 'hot desking'

WLANs can extend network access to areas where cabling might not be cost-effective or practical. For example, from an office to its adjacent warehouse or storeroom, or across retail outlets, hotels, or public spaces such as health centres and job centres.

WLANs can particularly benefit businesses that:

• have staff working away from the office (eg sales staff)
• rely on flexible working styles, such as 'home working' or 'hot desking'
• are located in premises where wiring is impractical or cost prohibiting (eg listed buildings)

What are WLAN 'hotspots'?

WLAN 'hotspots' are wireless-enabled areas offering customers access to a broadband internet connection, usually for a usage fee. Such services are becoming common in public areas such as airports, stations, cafes and hotels so that workers can be in regular communication with their business while travelling.

It is important to make sure that you use a secure wireless network using strong encryption, or use a VPN over any unencrypted wireless network.

Cellular networks are increasingly used for more than voice calls. Improved handsets and the networks' increased data transfer speeds have resulted in the development of a range of sophisticated mobile phones or 'smartphones' and handheld PCs, tablets and other mobile devices.

Cellular network technologies

Technologies connected with cellular phone services include:

• 5G - fifth-generation data transmission services deliver high data rates equivalent to ultrafast broadband networks. Coverage is rolling out - starting with major cities.
• 4G - fourth-generation data transmission services deliver high data rates equivalent to fast broadband networks
• 3G - third-generation data transmission services deliver fast data rates equivalent to standard broadband networks
• global positioning system (GPS) - allows the position of a device to be precisely located
• short messaging service (SMS) - text messaging
• multimedia messaging services (MMS) - allows the sending and receiving of other communications such as images, audio and video
• global system for mobile communication (GSM)/general packet radio service (GPRS) - data transmission services carried over cellular networks

What can cellular networks do?

Cellular technologies offer additional ways for networking mobile devices. The worldwide coverage of cellular networks means that such facilities are often available in places where other types of networking, such as local area networks (LANs) and wireless LANs, cannot reach. As a result, you can use these technologies alongside WLANs as a means of 'roaming' - maintaining contact while travelling.

Mobile technology

Smartphones and other mobile devices give workers access to the internet, mobile business applications, wireless ordering, billing and online buying, email accounts and other services. This gives them much greater flexibility - allowing them to continue working remotely. See more on mobile technology.

3G/4G/5G networks offer faster data transfer and allow the development of more handset-based real-time business applications. Although GSM and GPRS data services are still available, the faster data rates with 4G and 5G mean that they offer a more attractive service, and over time will replace the other two services.

Disadvantages of cellular technology

While cellular technology can offer businesses many benefits, it's important to keep potential drawbacks in mind. For example:

• costs for handsets and network operators' packages vary enormously.
• data services may initially be expensive to use - particularly for streaming rich media.
• mobile network speeds have not increased as quickly as predicted.

See more on the advantages and disadvantages of mobile technology.

Personal area networks (PANs) are short-range wireless networks that work over a range of tens of metres. PANs main role is to eliminate cables that connect devices to peripherals.

Typical PAN technologies include:

• Cordless products - such as mouse devices and keyboards, that use radio or infrared. These are inexpensive and easy to install and use. Certain products, such as the cordless phone, can have a considerably wider range.
• Bluetooth - which allows enabled devices such as phones, mobiles, mouse devices, headsets, PCs, printers and keyboards to connect wirelessly within a range of ten metres. Bluetooth technology is built into some devices, while you can upgrade other models with a Bluetooth card.

What can personal area networks do?

PANs have many useful business applications:

• Wireless connections between PCs and peripherals can free up floor space, remove unwanted cables and liberate floor plans.
• Connected Bluetooth devices can automatically synchronise data downloads and uploads, and exchange information.
• Mobile employees can use Bluetooth-equipped devices to access office-based peripherals such as printers, if these 91香蕉黄色视频 Bluetooth technology.
• You can use Bluetooth to wirelessly control equipment and machinery. For example, the engine management system in a car could be Bluetooth-enabled, allowing the service engineer to diagnose and fix faults.
• PANs can have more interesting applications - for example, attendees at an exhibition could be given PAN-enabled 'smart' badges that could be read wirelessly to control access to the venue and to allow an attendee to pass contact information to exhibitors.

Personal area network - advantages and disadvantages

PANs are efficient, cost-effective and convenient. Some PANs can interact badly with other wireless networking technologies using the same radio bands.

Bluetooth networks are relatively secure but have slow data rates. Bluetooth is a short-range solution - tens of metres - and is not suitable for wireless connection over larger distances.

If you need a wider range of networking solutions, see wireless local area networks (LANs).

Wireless security measures aim to prevent unauthorised access or damage to computers that use wireless networks. Security largely depends upon the user making the most of the options available, such as:

• the in-built encryption mechanisms offered by wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
• virtual private networks (VPNs)

Wireless networks can be more vulnerable to attack than traditional wired networks. Potentially, anyone can connect to a network or intercept another's connection. If you're using wireless technologies in your business, it's essential that you build security into your network.

How to protect your wireless network

There are several vital measures you can put in place to help protect your network. As a bare minimum: 

• You should password-protect access to a wireless local area network (WLAN) - most products allow this facility but you must make sure that it is enabled.
• Passwords should be 'strong' - they should not be easy to unlock by trial and error and should include letters, numbers and special characters. Wireless passwords should be over ten characters long. Avoid using common words, names or memorable dates for your passwords. Find .
• Employees should fully understand the importance of IT security.
• Security standards are constantly evolving, so research the market thoroughly and choose an upgradeable kit.
• Always activate the data encryption methods that come with most wireless networks and remember to reset the default passwords. You can upgrade some networks to the new WLAN standards, so check what is on offer before you buy the hardware.
• Use VPNs to improve the security of wireless networking - see computer networks.

See also guidance on .

Security issues in wireless networks

There are many strategies that can help your organisation protect its wireless networks. For example:

• If a tablet computer, smartphone, or laptop is lost or stolen, revoke access privileges associated with usernames and passwords to secure the network.
• Use the in-built security and encryption options to bolster device security - you can check how to do this in the operating manuals, but remember to change the pre-set passwords.
• Use personal firewall software to determine what data the user should see in potentially insecure places, eg when accessing the network from a WLAN 'hotspot'.
• Use anti-malware software to prevent trojans, keystroke loggers and other spyware.
• If your staff access sensitive data on mobile devices, provide training to ensure that they keep these devices and their data safe.

Read more about securing your wireless network.

When choosing a wireless local area network (LAN) for your business, you first need to look at your requirements.

Wireless networking needs analysis

It's best to carry out a networking needs analysis and focus on the following areas:

• Coverage - the area where you plan to operate the wireless devices. This can help you determine the number and location of wireless LAN access points.
• Mobility - how will users move through the coverage areas, and will the wireless signals be reliable throughout?
• Security - consider the level of protection that your networked data will need against certain threats. This will help you decide if you need to add particular components or technologies to your setup, eg wireless encryption.
• Compatibility - think about your existing systems, application and databases, and make sure that your wireless LAN solution is compatible.
• Users and devices - decide how many users and devices, and what type of devices, you wish to connect via the wireless LAN. You should also consider your funds and make sure that you choose a solution that is within your budget.

How to determine your networking requirements

When assessing the wireless networking requirements of your business, you should think about:

• goals for wireless communication - eg greater flexibility and employee satisfaction
• specific, measurable objectives for what you want to achieve - eg cost savings and increased efficiency
• the potential of the technology to improve the way you do business - including the potential for new products and services

You should:

• Consider what sort of wireless solution you need. Are there sites where installing cable networks would be a problem - eg listed buildings? Are there employees, such as salespeople, that require mobility?
• Talk to other businesses that have implemented wireless solutions.
• Think carefully about the security issues, such as the potential for 'hackers' or competitors to access or modify your company data.
• Compare the costs of wireless communication (such as software, installation and maintenance) with the business benefit you expect to get. If the main benefit is more efficient working, is the increased efficiency worth the cost?

You may wish to seek specialist advice from consultants, or equipment and service providers, on how to:

• outline your requirements
• establish how much you can afford to pay
• scope the project
• implement your plan
• organise training and software 91香蕉黄色视频

You must also consider the needs of your customers and business partners. Think through what your business partners/customers want and, in the case of close partners, examine the business systems that they have in place.

If you are aiming to work wirelessly with partners/customers, ask yourself:

• Are your business processes cost-effective and compatible with the wireless standards that they use
• Will you be limiting your range by targeting only certain wireless users?
• Is it possible to adapt your wireless network to work with your partners' networks?

Find out how to assess your networking needs and requirements.

There are many aspects to consider when selecting a wireless network to suit your business needs. You should always start with a networking needs analysis - find out what type of wireless networking do you need.

Wireless networking: options for small businesses

In most cases, your options will be:

• Local wireless solutions - these free up more space than wireless networks, but may not have enough speed for an office network.
• Wireless network solutions - these can provide shared internet, extranet or intranet access or connect non-cabled office spaces. They are a good option if you want to offer convenient network access to visiting employees.
• Mobile phone data networks or Wide Area Networks technologies - these can help mobile employees stay in touch and access the company's resources on the go.

Also, consider where it may be appropriate to use wired networks.

Plan the wireless network rollout phase

There are many things you will need to consider in the planning phase:

• Look at training needs - what will it cost? How many staff will need training and how long will it take?
• Consider the cultural impact - how will you feel if employees are not at their desks, or are away from the office? Can your business and staff adapt to this working pattern?
• You'll need to adapt your fixed and wireless networks to work together. Be aware that it can be difficult to monitor wireless devices, such as an employee's personal smartphone, accessing your network, so you may need to use specialised monitoring hardware/software.
• Aim to standardise hardware and set up robust security standards. Are your other systems, for example telephones, as flexible?
• Do you have the expertise and the resources to manage a wireless local area network (WLAN) and to train staff?
• Are you ready for the additional volume of communication that may be generated?

Implement your wireless network

Typically, implementation will require you to:

• Roll out any necessary training.
• Encourage staff involvement and feedback.
• Consider setting up a cross-departmental team to manage the implementation. It will help with staff buy-in and ensure that the process works company-wide.

Evaluate the impact

To evaluate the impact of your wireless network implementation, you should:

• Monitor and review the impact on your business against your objectives.
• Get feedback from staff, customers and suppliers.
• Evaluate the impact after six months and one year. Consider whether you have achieved your objectives and how you could improve things further.

If you're not sure which networking solution would best suit your business, seek advice from IT or business advisers. Businesses in Northern Ireland may be able to get help from .