Product Comparisons

General Information

In general, Wi-Fi APs (Access Points) provide the foundation for WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). Though peer-to-peer networking (direct communication between two computers) is possible without an access point, the extent of the networking is limited to that peer group. With an AP, users can not only interact with each other, but more importantly gain access to a whole host of resources available on the wired network.

With major manufacturers swarming into this market, it is difficult to determine which AP best serves your need. Let’s review some of the product features and options you should consider when making a purchasing decision:

Access Point or Gateway

Both access points and gateways act as a bridge by connecting similar OSI Layer 2 protocols (Ethernet) with dissimilar OSI Layer 1 mediums (e.g. radio technology and CAT 5 twisted pair wiring). In other words, both of these devices can create a bridge between a wired and wireless network. However, gateways are typically feature-rich and provide added functionality to support protocols and services like NAT, DHCP, VPN, roaming and network management. Most wireless APs offer some gateway functionality and vary in degree depending upon market (small-office/home-office (SOHO), midrange or enterprise).

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Range and Penetration

One of the critical considerations for purchasing a wireless AP is the range or coverage area. Range is a measure of how far away a client may be from an AP without dropping packets due to an unstable radio connection. Range is an inverse function to frequency. The greater the frequency of radio signal, the smaller the range of mobility. This is evident as you compare the range and frequencies for the 802.11a (5 GHz/approximately 50 ft) and 802.11b (2.4 GHz/approximately 100 ft) standards.

As you review products, be sure to consider the penetration of radio signals. Radio technology is not line of sight dependent and will penetrate through walls and ceilings. However, be aware that high frequency (shorter wavelengths) radio waves have more difficulty in penetrating walls than low frequency. Thus we see that 802.11a products have more difficulty in penetrating walls than 802.11b. So, as you make you purchasing decision keep location in mind. Spaces with limited obstructions (e.g. steel or stone walls, windows, file cabinets) offer greater performance than those with obstructions. When considering implementation, be sure to do a "site survey" to determine the appropriate number and placement of access points in your environment.

For more information on Range and Environment, refer to the Wi-Fi Alliance.

Security

Unlike wired networking solutions, wireless solutions are often more vulnerable to security problems. Typically there are two areas of concern when considering network security: Authentication and Encryption. Authentication is a method of identifying users that are authorized to gain access to both the wireless and wired networks. Often times this security measure is enabled through the registration of MAC addresses, network names, usernames and/or passwords. Encryption ensures the integrity of data being transmitted from sender to receiver.

The majority of wireless APs offer Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) as their primary encryption scheme. Earlier this year, hackers were able to break both the 64-bit and 128-bit code and eavesdrop on network conversations. As a result many manufacturers are offering proprietary security schemes to ensure the integrity of the wireless network. In the future, we can look to a new standard in security, 802.11i, to offer a better-designed encryption scheme (TKIP), integration of security servers for enterprise applications and protected access for SOHO users.

For more information on Security, please refer to the following links:

Creating a Wireless Network: Step 5 – Security. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2002, from http://www.wi-fi.com/OpenSection/secure_the_network_setup.asp?TID=2

Rolf, A., Dulaney, K., & Pescatore, J. (2002, November). WEP is out, WPA is in. ZdNet. Retrieved November 23, 2002, from http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/0,14179,2897368,00.html

Wildstrom, S. (2002, November). Road to Wi-Fi: No more whining about WEP. ZdNet. Retrieved November 23, 2002, from http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/0,14179,2897654,00.html

Enhanced Modes

Texas Instruments (802.11b+ 22Mbps mode) and Atheros (802.11a Turbo mode) have created chips that support alternate modulation schemes for greater speed and bandwidth. Many manufacturers like D-Link, Netgear, Proxim and SMC use these chipsets in their products as a competitive advantage. However, you should be aware that the cost of increased bandwidth is decreased range. In addition, neither of these modes are certified standards by Wi-Fi, which results in a lack of interoperability. To experience the added performance of these modes, you must be using products from the same manufacturer and product line.

For more information on Enhanced Modes:

Charney, Ben. (2002, November). Is TI's "turbo Wi-Fi" losing steam? ZdNet. Retrieved November 23, 2002, from http://www.zdnet.com.au/itmanager/technology/story/0,2000029587,20269928,00.htm

Moran, Joseph. (2002, November). Wireless Home Networking – Wi-Fi Standards. Small Business Computing. Retrieved November 23, 2002, from http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/buyersguide/article.php/1496371

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Products and Reviews

Products supporting the 802.11 wireless LAN standard range from access points to PCMCIA cards to USB radios. Through this site we will review Wireless Access Points for a variety of environments that support the major standards in place: 802.11a and 802.11b.

The standard for 802.11g is expected to be ratified and officially adopted in early 2003 and as such products are still anywhere from one to sixth months from being available to the public. There are some products to be released early which makers promise to be fully upgradeable to the offical standard when it is released. Two such manufactures include Linksys and Netgear. See the press releases below for more information.

"Linksys First to Make High Speed 2.4GHz Wireless-G Networking Solutions Available for Home, Business and Hotspots"

"NETGEAR First to Announce Full Line of 54Mbps 2.4 GHz Wireless Products"

The tables below contain selected “best buys” for Wireless Access Points as seen by some of the industry's most credible organizations and publications: CNET, PC Magazine and Network Computing.

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