Wireless Local Area Networks

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) use digital wireless signals to extend the reach of the LAN to flexibly provide connections for mobile users inside and outside of a building. WLANs can also reach fixed users or equipment that cannot easily be reached with building wiring. A Network Camera at a front gate would be a good example of this.

Although wireless networks provided a great deal of location flexibility for network cameras, they are rarely 100% reliable. They also can be significantly more expensive to install and maintain than a simple wire. For these reasons direct wiring is the preferred camera connection method, especially for security purposes. However for longer runs with significant obstructions, wireless networks can support cameras that would otherwise be cost prohibitive.

Standards have been developed in order to help wireless equipment interoperate, by ensuring they speak the same "language" (use the same "protocol"). The most popular protocol standards in order of their release date are: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n. Each newer revision of the standard includes several advancements in technology. Most of the newer standards allow equipment to be backward-compatible with equipment supporting the older standards.

Security was one of the most significant improvements in the earlier standards enhancements. The earliest 802.11a and 802.11b standards made LANs far more susceptible to unauthorized intrusion and than the newer 802.11g and 802.11n standards.

Capacity is another area that the newer standards provide improvements in. And increase capacity of the newer standards is important to support the high-bandwidth needs of multiple network cameras at high resolution.

The newer standards longer distances and more flexibility to get around obstructions. By nature wireless signals do not travel well through metal objects such as: blinds, screens, sheet-metal siding, tin roofs, appliances, machinery, etc. Even though you can see through a window, it would be better to put a standard sheet rock wall between the sending and receiving antennas, then a metal screen or metal blinds.

Antennas are an area of an upgrade that can make dramatic differences in distance reach and the ability to get around obstructions. Larger antennas output a stronger signal and can receive a weaker signal. Directional antennas focus all their power in one direction and dust are both stronger and more sensitive than omnidirectional antennas.  The more focused the antenna is, the farther that higher power signal can travel. However, be more focused the directional antenna, the more accurately that antenna must be aimed.

The 802.11n standard leverages multiple antennas for signal diversity and the ability to get around more obstructions and have less weak spots in the coverage area. Although diversity adds substantial cost, it can also substantially increase the reliability and reach, often lowering overall costs of the entire solution.

Consumer versus commercial grade network equipment. Consumer grade network equipment has a far lower first cost.  However, commercial grade network equipment, coverage engineering, installation and maintenance will provide substantial savings in total lifecycle cost of a Wireless Network solution.

Wireless Networks that are poorly designed, implemented and supported can have very high costs to a business. This costs, primarily shows itself in lost productivity due to network issues and outages, as well as opportunity cost lost due to the lack of network functionality. This can especially be the case when wireless data networks support security and productivity solutions. The worst time to find out that your Wireless Network is not reliable is when you are seeking to obtain evidence on a loss. TeleNavigator's Network Monitoring Solutions contantly verify the operation of our customers' solutions.

The TeleNavigators Difference:

Our ability to implement all of the above technologies and applications combined with our consultative approach, helps customers maximize the effectiveness of our solutions for a given cost investment.

Please Contact Us Now for a free consult on how we can help you obtain the most cost-effective solution.