Network Computing Magazine has an overview on Campus WLAN Design. They advise installers to study the RF characteristics of the campus, evaluate bandwidth requirements, develop a security plan, figure out how to tie the access points to the LAN switching infrastructure, and determine management of IP addresses and roaming. The security strategy should consider authentication, privacy, access control and accounting.
When managing hundreds of access points they advise automated configuration of APs using Proxim, Agere or Symbol management software or third-party systems like Wavelink’s Mobile Manager which can integrate APs from multiple vendors under a single management framework.
For monitoring and troubleshooting a protocol analyzer from Network Instruments, Sniffer Technologies and WildPackets are recommended. A spectrum analyzer would be nice, too, although they can run $20,000. A $3,000 unit is available from Avcom-Ramsey.
Looking for hardware/software reviews? Check out Network Computing’s 802.11b Buying Guide, with a comparison Table, PC Magazine’s Wireless LAN Lab Test, which covers recent 802.11a products, Extreme Tech which features many in-depth articles on security and other 802.11a/b issues, and Tim Higgin’s SmallNetBuilder.com.
