What considerations should consumers and small
business owners make when choosing a wireless router? According to a
recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive Technology Research,
here's what you should consider:
* Signal reliability
over long distances
For the small business owner, maintaining a
reliable connection over a great distance is an important feature to
look for in wireless equipment. Many small business owners choose
wireless networking because they want the freedom to roam inside or
outside of their offices with their lap tops. Home users need expansive
wireless coverage too. According to an article published in the New York
Times Ideas and Trends section, the size of the average American home is
50 percent larger than it was in 1970. Whether it's a concrete office
building, spacious suburban home, or back yard, people want the freedom
to roam with their computers.
New technology developed by
ParkerVision Inc., a Florida based wireless equipment manufacturer,
enables wireless equipment to deliver reliable service over long
distances - up to one mile. A leading enterprise brand delivers a range
of up to only 1500 feet. In addition, ParkerVision's technology delivers
high performance with minimal power consumption, a strong selling point
for the energy conscious consumer or small business owner.
* Bandwidth
Another key consideration when choosing a wireless
router is speed. Most experts and experienced users recommend choosing a
wireless router with an IEEE rating of 802.11b or higher.
* Security
When cordless phones became popular a number of
years ago, there was concern that it would be easy to eavesdrop on a
conversation because cordless phones transmit using radio waves, which
can be intercepted. The same holds true for wireless computer networks.
Wireless routers transmit data using radio waves, so they are more
vulnerable than wired networks.
For this reason, it is important
to choose a wireless router that is equipped with a robust encryption
system. Without protecting your network, anyone within range of your
router can use your network to go online or even hack into your
computer.
* Ease of setup
Setting up a wireless
router can be complicated, even for an experienced user. The
documentation that comes with the equipment should be easy to
understand, and the instructions for set up should be clear and easy to
follow. The equipment manufacturer should have an accessible and
responsive support center for help and troubleshooting. Most wireless
equipment manufactures have toll free technical as well as online
support centers for help and troubleshooting.
* Cost
While it is impossible to put a price tag on the freedom and
flexibility that wireless provides, cost is a consideration for small
businesses and consumers alike. The individual pieces of equipment
required to install a wireless network in a home or small office
environment is generally more expensive than the equipment needed for a
wired network, but the ROI may be greater when you consider the benefits
of wireless computing. In addition, depending upon the type of wireless
equipment you choose, you may actually need to purchase less equipment
for wireless than for a similar wired network.
According to
mobileinfo.com, the law school at Hofstra University spent $50,000 for
120 wired Ethernet ports; three years later, the school installed 30
wireless access points for $12,000. 30 wireless access points gave the
students the same coverage as did the original wired installation--a
$38,000 budget reduction for the same level of coverage!
New wireless technology has a cost savings advantage over traditional
wireless equipment as well as wired Ethernet systems. With traditional
wireless routers, the signal degrades as you get further away from the
original access point. Maintaining a consistent connection within a
large home or office building may require the addition of strategically
placed signal boosters throughout the desired coverage area. Depending
on how many amplifiers are needed, this can add hundreds of dollars to
the cost of installing a wireless network.
Equipment utilizing
the latest wireless technology will sustain a reliable connection from a
single access point without costly additional equipment.
Jerry Schranz is an account executive with Keating & Co. of
Florham Park, N.J.
