Communications: Wireless Network (IT Assessment DIY Guide, Part 7)
This is part 7 of a series on IT Self-Assessment for small businesses. We’re providing information and guidelines for a simple IT check, giving you the ability to gain free insights into how your technology can serve your business better. Each post covers a critical area of technology.
Communications: Wireless Network
Function & Value
A wireless network allows wireless enabled devices like laptops and PDAs to easily gain access to the Internet or your local network without the expense or tangle of Ethernet cables.
Why do you need a wireless network? Wireless is more flexible and less expensive than a wired network and can be ideal for small or mobile offices as a primary network. Wireless also makes your office hospitable to guests needing access.
Why don’t you need a wireless network? Unlike wired networks, you cannot control how far a wireless network extends, so your network can be accessible from the parking lot or the office next door. Wireless is also much more difficult to secure than a wired network, and poses unique security challenges.
Wireless isn’t right for all businesses. If you already have a wired network, don’t add a wireless network unless there is real need.
If you do have or require a wireless network, pay attention to the following common problems and best practices. A compromise of your wireless network can be crippling to your business.
Common Problems
(1) Unsecure networks. Many wireless networks are incredibly easy to compromise. If you’re still using the factory default settings for security and admin credentials, you’re at high risk.
(2) No distinction between guest and internal networks. Guests need Internet access without an open door into your file server.
(3) High interference and poor performance. Wireless routers broadcast on channels. If a neighbor’s wireless network is using the same or similar channel, it can negatively impact the speed of your network.
(4) Weak signals. Placement of your wireless router determines what areas of your office can connect reliably to the network. Poorly planned wireless networks can have dead and weak spots.
Best Practices
(1) Change the default configurations in your wireless router. A simple Internet search can yield the default IP address, user name and password for every wireless router ever made. If you don’t change the defaults, anyone over the age of 10 could break into your network.
(2) Turn the security settings on. Security on wireless routers is usually off by default. There are three types of wireless security. From best to worst they are:
- WPA2
- WPA
- WEP
If you’re serious about security, use WPA2. If you don’t have it, use WPA with a strong key. Your key should be random or at least non-dictionary standard, like “iwantmywireless2bsecure”. WEP is not recommended, but if it is the only option available, change the default key from the factory. You should involve an IT professional to configure your security correctly.
(2) If you intend to offer wireless for staff and guests, use two wireless networks. Put Internet access, and perhaps access to a printer, on your guest wireless. If you need full network wireless access, place it on a separate wireless network with very strong security. Turn broadcasting off for an internal network, as guests (or the office next door) don’t need to discover it.
(3) Change the default channel. Wireless routers have 11 channels, with channel 6 as the default. Only channels 1, 6 and 11 do not overlap. Some routers can scan and find uncontested space, as can free tools like NetStumbler and Kismet.
(4) Perform a site survey. There are very good (and very expensive) tools to generate an accurate site survey of your wireless network. NetStumbler or Kismet can help you perform a rough site survey as well.
(5) Don’t use really cheap equipment. You’ll pay in productivity. Cheap wireless routers are cheap for a reason. A few extra hundred dollars up front will pay off in the long run.
Wireless Network Self-Assessment
Are you currently using a wireless network?
What purpose does/would a wireless network serve in your business?
Have you changed the wireless router defaults?
What security does your wireless network use?
Can wireless guests access your internal network?
Level of risk to your business based upon current wireless:
High Medium Low
Issues to be addressed:
1.
2.
3.
