7

Integrating Wireless Transmissions

If you read the popular press, you would think that small networks were wireless, and nothing but wireless. The ostensible ease of setting up and using a wireless network seems to be endlessly appealing. And there is no question that a wireless connection is convenient for connecting a computer such as a laptop that needs only occasional access to your network or that changes its location frequently. However, there are major drawbacks to wireless networks—especially in terms of security—that should make even the smallest of small business users think twice.

In this chapter we’ll look at why the most common wireless networks aren’t truly Ethernet (and why they can’t be). We’ll also talk about wireless standards ...

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