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23/06/2006 09:21:09 - NCN Talking Point - The Wireless Revolution

 

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The wireless revolution is coming! Cabling is to become obsolete as the onset of wireless LANs completes the extinction of the “wet string” that links computers and networks.

No more “moves and changes”, as total mobility enters the office, Patch Panels and the spaghetti of wiring that adorns them will become a thing of the past! Cabling companies are now aggressively competing for the larger 100 outlet jobs installing cat5e links to wireless hotspots, staff wandering the office accessing emails and the web from PDAs and other devices. Well that was the prediction of the future being punted several years ago, but thankfully it is currently still only just a cable installer’s nightmare!

So where is the revolution? It is quite a compelling argument to have a wireless only network. Service provision would be easier and, if you only scratch the surface of the vendor’s brochures, it would appear that there is ample capacity and bandwidth to cope with even the most taxing applications. It is very true fact that a whole array of devices such as cameras, security devices, and location based services etc, can be provisioned on the same network with (theoretically) no additional network costs. Wow! All this and it’s cheaper as well!

The fact is that the threat of wireless networks to cabling has materialised, but its impact is currently at best negligible. Unlicensed wireless has its place in the office space, but it is seen as a complimentary technology that provides service and mobility to visitors and hot deskers. Despite the claims by vendors, there are still security and capacity issues that will keep IT managers awake at night. The harsh truth is that in a dense office space you still cannot beat a cable. In a heavily populated office the number of wireless access points and potential for self interference, due to the limited number of channels available would prevent high bandwidth from being achieved and result in degradation to service. The fact is that the average IT Manager is demanding cat 6/6e speeds to each user, which wireless cannot practically/easily deal with. You should also be aware that the wireless environment can change overnight. On day one your wireless network can be running like a well oiled machine. That’s until some socialist decides to offer free internet service to the world having purchased an unapproved unlicensed wireless system pumping out 10 times the power than your sexy new system. To illustrate this an interesting exercise for you, next time you are in London or any other big city try the following:

1. Fire up your shiny new centrino enabled laptop,
2. Run Netstumbler (a programme available free on the web),
3. Gasp with awe as you find a huge list of wireless networks competing for the same bandwidth and even on the same channel.
4. Breathe a sigh of relief and thank the cable gods for cabling systems.

That is today, but Wireless is here and as more applications are found demand is predicted to increase. Today you should use it as an overlay to a cabled system. Provide service to locations that cannot be economically cabled. Link LANs in adjacent buildings without destroying roads using optical and wireless systems. It can be used as disaster recovery not forgetting that wireless systems do not suffer flying JCBs or flying floor tiles utilising installed cables as a cushion. Use it to provide mobility services for laptop users and PDAs. It provides a simple way to deploy security cameras in locations where the only requirement is power. It can also be used to track equipment or humans in a large office or campus, the list grows every day.

However, it is crass stupidity to spec a cabled network with no wireless capability. Not only from a customer perspective but for the installers as an additional source of revenue. But my cabling colleague beware! Bolting an Access point to a wall and running a cable will not keep us in the luxury lifestyle we have become accustomed to. The money is with the survey, design and 24/7 support, which is the traditional fodder of the equipment vendors. This was apparent when your author attended seminar where a supplier excitedly explained the prospect of installing such systems (one cable and a couple of bolts ZZZZzzzzzzzzz). However, my excitement was curtailed when he then explained that all the difficult (and profitable) services (survey, design etc) would be provided by them. Also be aware there will be a requirement to troubleshoot, should unforeseen problems occur. Despite some wild claims by vendors it does not always work first time! I for one do not believe that such expertise currently resides with cablers. Happily the demise of the cable has been grossly exaggerated and IT men will long remain in love with the reassuring click of an RJ45 latching into an outlet or a patch panel! But keep a beady eye on developments and have a little tickle of this new fangled wireless. You never know what’s around the corner.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:
The Company
Established in 1992 Zircom provides high quality services in data, voice communication and fibre optic services and solutions to the business arena and are currently developing the business to incorporate wireless solutions.

The company operates nationwide and across Europe, successfully building a Blue Chip client base, servicing contracts to a variety of businesses. For further information please visit – www.zircom.co.uk

Anna Ryan
Zircom Public Relations Team
T: +44 (0)151 709 4547
F: +44 (0)151 703 0018
E: anna@ampersand.uk.com

pdf version of release

date:23/06/2006 09:21:09

 

 

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