Last week, the IEEE announced that it’s standards board had finally ratified the 802.11n-2009 amendment.  This in itself is great news, but in truth manufacturers have been producing 802.11n products for a number of years based on the draft ‘n’ standard.  The fact that the IEEE have ratified the standard means that more manufacturers will produce more ‘n’ standard products and finally push wireless technology forwards.

If you’re happy with the 802.11a/b/g infrastructure that you currently have deployed, why on earth should you upgrade to ‘n’?  The following 5 reasons should give you enough to build a credible case to ditch your old WLAN and take advantage of the power of ‘n’.

1. Speed

By leveraging technologies such as MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output),  Channel Bonding and Packet Aggregation 802.11n is much, much faster than older standards like a/b/g and deliveries a net bit rate of up to 300Mbit per second.  Compare this to a maximum speed of up to 54Mbit per second for a/g and 11Mbit/s for b and it’s easy to see why ‘n’ is the ideal choice for real-time wireless data connections.

2. Range

By range, I mean wireless network coverage.  802.11n equipment typically has at least twice the reach of a/b/g equipment.  This, of course, all depends on the environment in which the WLAN is deployed.  For example, a busy warehouse with lots of racking and moving dense metal equipment (such as forklift trucks) can drastically impair the range of WLAN coverage.  However, 802.11n equipment should still transmit a greater range in this type of environment.  (As a sidenote, full coverage in a warehouse can be achieved by strategic placement of APs, use of appropriate antennae and a wireless scan to identify black spots).

3. Less Interference

802.11n operates over the 2.4GHz AND 5GHz frequencies, whereas b and g operate over the 2.4GHz frequency.  ‘So what?’ you may ask.  Well the 2.4GHz band is an extremely noisy frequency, as it’s not just wireless networks which transmit over it.  Microwave ovens, cordless phones and Bluetooth devices also transmit over this frequency, so having any equipment such as this within the vicinity of your b/g WLAN can seriously affect it’s performance.  Using 802.11n equipment over the 5GHz band can ensure peak performance without the worry of someone reheating their lunch impairing your WLAN.  It’s also worth pointing out that 802.11a uses the 5GHz band, but only transmits at up to 54Mbit/s and has a much shorter range than b/g/n with approx 15 metres indoor range.

4. WiFi Certification

The 802.11n draft standard was approved by the WiFi alliance in 2007.  This means that 802.11n equipment which carries the WiFi Certified logo is interoperable with other wireless equipment carrying the logo and legacy equipment (i.e. a/b/g equipment) is compatible with the new technology.

5. More Possibilities and Cost Savings

Using a faster, more reliable WLAN infrastucture with a greater reach means you are able to roll out productivity enhancing and cost reducing equipment.  Technology such as VoWLAN and video conferencing needs a stable connection and high bandwidth, but to a 802.11n infrastructure this would be child’s play.

So, in conclusion, there are plenty of reasons as to why you should upgrade to an 802.11n infrastructure.  On the whole, the management and maintenance of ‘n’ equipment should be easier as it will have a longer supportable life.  802.11n products are widely available now.  Why not take a look at the Motorola ‘n’ products that we carry, and see how they compare to your existing kit?

Motorola AP7131 Wireless Access Point

Motorola RFS6000 Wireless Switch

---

Posted by Lee Hoosein on September 17th, 2009 :: Filed under WLAN

---

Lantronix ManageLinx is a powerful M2M (machine-to-machine) communications solution that provides secure remote Internet access to virtually any piece of IP-enabled equipment – even behind remote firewalls or VPNs.

ManageLinx is a secure and easily managed solution that joins equipment across the Internet to create a “Virtual Device Network” (VDN). More flexible and easier to deploy than a traditional VPN, the ManageLinx VDN restricts access to only the specific IP addresses of authorised equipment and does not allow visibility to any other part of the network. It does not require any changes to network hardware or configurations.

Read more

---

Posted by Jennifer on September 8th, 2009 :: Filed under WLAN

---

According to Network World, Japanese researchers have cracked the WPA wireless security program in less than 60 seconds.  WPA (or Wi-Fi Protected Access) is a wireless security program introduced by the Wi-Fi alliance when it became apparent that there were serious weaknesses in WEP (or Wired Equivalent Privacy).

Namely, the researchers exposed a flaw in the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (or TKIP) by placing a computer between an authorised computer and an access point.  A flaw had been known in TKIP previously which could be exploited within 12-15 minutes, however the new ‘crack’ has brought about some urgency in updating any aging wireless security systems which use TKIP.

So what does this mean for you?

PCI DSS guidelines recommend the use of WPA in an effort to become PCI compliant.  If you have taken steps to become PCI compliant,  your wireless network(s) may use WPA encryption.

WPA2 and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) remain unaffected by this finding, so if you employ this standard in your wireless LAN, you need not worry.

However, if you employ WPA, the recommendation is to upgrade as soon as possible to ensure that your wireless network is safe from intrusion.  It is also wise to employ software which can detect wireless intrusions on your network and protect itself from any hacking attacks.

Jade offer a wide range of wireless services, such as a free WIPS scan, which can identify any potential flaws in your wireless network and recommend next steps to rectify the problems.  Our Technical Services team can also reconfigure and install new wireless hardware on your premises.

Book a wireless health check from Jade today and safeguard your wireless network from hackers.  Call 01925 295 400 or email sales@jadeonline.co.uk.

---

Posted by Lee Hoosein on September 2nd, 2009 :: Filed under WLAN
Tags :: wifi networks, wireless network, Wireless Security, WLAN

---

The chances are, if you have a wireless network, you have at some point assessed the security of your infrastructure.  Wireless security is a massive concern to all businesses regardless of their size and number of locations.

It’s even more of a concern if you process and handle card payments.  You have to be PCI DSS compliant or you will face heavy fines or even have a total bar on processing card payments.

With this in mind, we have introduced a service to identify any gaps in security and allow you to take steps to rectify them.

Using Motorola’s Air Defense, the latest in Wireless Intrusion Protection Systems (or WIPS for those who like a snappier name) we can scan your WLAN without actually becoming part of the network.  This scan identifies:

• Any rogue stations/devices/laptops etc. trying to connect to your network
• Any rouge access points which are plugged in to your network via ethernet and creating a wireless path in
• Any wireless security or configuration issues which could potentially create a security issue

As part of the service you will receive a report highlighting any issues and initial steps to tackle them.

This is a great service for those who would like an assessment of their WLAN but can’t afford the time or expense in assessing it themselves.

However it is important to note that this is not a full WIPS or PCI DSS compliancy service.  This service is purely a snapshot of the current security status of your WLAN.

For the launch of this service, we are offering the first 50 bookings absolutely free.

To book your scan, contact us on 01925 295 400 or sales@jadeonline.co.uk.

---

Posted by Lee Hoosein on August 6th, 2009 :: Filed under WLAN
Tags :: wi-fi, wifi networks, wireless network, Wireless Security, Wireless systems, WLAN

---

To help retailers ensure ongoing compliance with the latest Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) for wireless networks, Jade is now offering a Wireless Intrusion Prevention Service (WIPS).

In 2007 over 45 million card details were compromised by hacking at TK Maxx, hugely damaging the retailer’s reputation and leaving it exposed to customer litigation. For a retailer with around 100 stores employing an auditor to prove PCI DSS compliance could cost between £60,000 and £100,000 a year.

Jade’s new Wireless Intrusion Prevention Service can conduct network security audits, automatically compile reports and continually scan client networks 24/7/365 to keep networks secure and customers’ details safe.

Click here for more information on how you can become PCI compliant

---

Posted by Jennifer on August 4th, 2009 :: Filed under WLAN
Tags :: mobile computer applications, wireless network, Wireless systems, WLAN

---

Jade Communications, one of the UK’s leading providers of mobile voice and data communications technologies for business, today announced that they have been  appointed as a UK Reseller for Ekahau’s Wi-Fi based RTLS (Real time Location Systems) tracking and communication solutions.

“Ekahau RTLS is the only Wi-Fi-based location tracking solution that can operate over any brand or generation of Wi-Fi network while offering room-, floor- and building-level accuracy,” says Mark Brackley, Managing Director of Jade Communications. “Because the Ekahau system relies on existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, it offers superior tracking accuracy at a fraction of what proprietary systems cost and does not disrupt day-to-day business operations.”

“We are delighted to have appointed Jade Communications as an appointed Reseller of Ekahau RTLS Solutions in the UK,” says Barry Read, Business Development Manager, Ekahau. “Their knowledge of RFID and wireless networks combined with their deep understanding of customer needs in retail, logistics, manufacturing, healthcare and other industries makes them an ideal partner for UK applications of Ekahau real-time location tracking and communication systems.”

Ekahau solutions provide the easiest, most cost effective and accurate positioning solutions for locating people, assets, inventory and other objects using existing Wi-Fi networks. They track wireless laptops, PDAs, VOIP phones, Wi-Fi tags and other 802.11 enabled devices in real time. Ekahau RTLS does not require installation of proprietary wireless infrastructure. It can be done individually over the private Wi-Fi network, keeping deployment cost to a minimum and helping to speed overall system payback time.

For more information visit: http://www.jadeonline.co.uk/supplier/ekahau/ekahau-demo.php

---

Posted by Lee Hoosein on July 20th, 2009 :: Filed under WLAN
Tags :: Ekahau, Real time Location Systems, RFID, tracking system, wi-fi, wifi networks, wireless network

---

Jade Communications, one of the UK’s leading providers of mobile voice and data communications technologies for business, has been appointed the UK’s first Certified Partner for Motorola’s Total Enterprise Access and Mobility (TEAM) VoWLAN (Voice over Wireless LAN) solutions.

Ideal for mobilising workforce communications in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, distribution and hospitality applications, Motorola TEAM transforms the desktop into a pocketable virtual office, delivering mobile access over the WLAN to the voice and data services needed to increase productivity, collaboration and customer satisfaction.

“We are delighted to have appointed Jade Communications as the UK’s first Certified Partner for TEAM solutions,” says Michael Womeldorph, Director of Product Marketing, Motorola’s Enterprise Mobility Solutions Business. “Jade’s in-depth knowledge of wireless networks and mobile voice and data communications means it is uniquely well-placed to help UK enterprises to deploy TEAM solutions quickly, cost-effectively and for maximum ROI.”

“TEAM is a very attractive proposition for our customers because it provides a unified platform and integrates easily with existing PBX and WLAN infrastructure,” says Mark Brackley, Managing Director of Jade Communications. “It also offers unmatched scalability with common management and security for both voice and data services. Users will admire the enterprise-class business smartphones and call quality matching traditional landlines.”

The Motorola TEAM products now available from Jade Communications include:

• TEAM VoWLAN, which provides mobile users inside the enterprise with mobile access to the voice and data services
• TEAM Common Voice Client (CVC) with voice capable devices, such as handheld mobile computers and bar code scanners
• TEAM Dual Mode (VoWLAN and Cellular) which delivers mobile access to voice and data services over the WLAN, seamlessly extending those capabilities to the wide area cellular network for use outside the enterprise.

 

For more information visit: www.jadeonline.co.uk/team

---

Posted by Lee Hoosein on July 20th, 2009 :: Filed under WLAN
Tags :: Mobile Computers, Motorola, TEAM, Voice over IP, VOIP, VoWLAN, Wireless systems, WLAN

---