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Following are topics relating to Wireless Internet frequently asked questions.
Please use the navigation aids to view each topic, or simply scroll down the
page.
Maximum un-amplified range of most standard wireless
devices is approx 100 meters. This is only achievable outdoors with
line-of-sight. Indoors un-amplified range is up to 30 metres depending
on the number of walls and the amount of background noise.
An amplified signal is quite capable of more than 20
kilometres, depending on the height of the transmission towers and line of
sight. Walls, trees and even people attenuate the signal, so a full site
survey should be undertaken to ensure that you have the correct equipment
for your needs.
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Wireless Networking Bandwidth / Speed |
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The 802.11b Wi-Fi standard supports a maximum speed of
11Mbps. (Mega bits per second) You should expect an ‘overhead’ (caused
by authentication and encryption processes) of approx 1/3, meaning
that the true data speed will be around 8Mbps.
Some of the manufactures of 802.11b components have enabled a
maximum of 22Mbps on networks that use only their components.
The 802.11g Wi-Fi standard supports a maximum speed of
54Mbit/s. Once again you should allow an ‘overhead’ of approx 1/3. As a
comparison, the maximum speed of an ADSL high speed internet connection is
1.5Mbit/s.
The greater the distance between the
network points and also the obstacles in between will reduce the amount of
bandwidth available.
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Wireless Internet
Bandwidth / Speed |
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Wireless Internet Plans currently
available utilise the 802.11b Wi-Fi standard. Because these internet
plans are far below the minimum speed of 1Mbps offered by wireless
networking, you can be assured of a speedy internet connection. Any
traffic between Brettware Internet nodes are able to utilise bandwidth
of up to 2Mbps.
All of the 802.11x components have built-in data
encryption with what is know as the Wired Equivalent Privacy protocol.
This means that all data sent over a wireless network is encrypted at
up to a 256 bit key level. Newer devices also have fully dynamic
encryption, meaning that the key is changed regularly to make it even
harder to ‘crack’.
Each wireless device has a unique
identification built into the hardware and each can be programmed to
communicate with only selected devices, ensuring that unauthorised
people cannot access your network.
As with all security matters you should keep your password
protected and preferably not use dictionary words.
One of the major advantages of a wireless network is
the ease of installation. A lot of the components are ‘plug and play’.
Once an access point is set up, it is a simple matter to connect any
number of devices. Networks are created quickly and can readily be
expanded.
The total cost of ownership for a wireless network is
less than that of a ‘wired’ network. The higher initial cost of
components is easily outweighed by the much lower cost of installation
and lower running and upgrading costs.
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Scalability / Expandability |
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Wireless networks are readily scalable. A network can
be extended through the use of repeaters; more bandwidth can be
supplied with the addition of another access point. This means that
the network can start small and grow as needed without the need for
any infrastructure changes.
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Simultaneous Connectivity |
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There is theoretically no limit to the number of
devices that can be connected to a wireless network. Of course, the
more devices sharing the one wireless link, the smaller amount of
bandwidth available to each device. In practice it is best to treat a
wireless network just like a ‘wired’ network with each wireless
pathway being analogous to a cable. Of course, it is easier to put
another wireless link in than it is to run a new section of cable.
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Configuration & Support |
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Brettware
offers full on-site support. Callouts will be charged at $66 per hour
(inc GST) with ½ hour minimum.
Client devices run off the power supply in the computer or
laptop etc that they are connected to. Access points either plug into a 240V
outlet or can have power over Ethernet.
The section of the spectrum used by the 802.11x
wireless systems is in the low microwave bands. This section of the
spectrum is less damaging to people than mobile phones.
Most of the devices to be used in a wireless network
are manufactured to have an appealing shape. They are generally small
and easily tuck out of the way. If internal antennas are required,
there is a range available that will provide a neat, tidy appearance.
Brettware
only uses components supplied by reputable manufactures that have high
standards of production and quality control.
External devices are designed to withstand the elements and
all manufactures offer a 12 month guarantee.
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