What exactly is WiFi?
WiFi means being able to connect to your network, and work without cables.

Sounds so simple. I hate cables. Can this be done anywhere?
Yes, if the network is set up.

Great! So why don't we abolish wires altogether, and, work with WiFi all the time?
It's not quite as easy as that. There are other issues, such as speed, reliability and security measures to consider.

I'm still not clear what WiFi is?
The easiest way to understand WiFi (wireless fidelity) is to think of it like a standard portable wireless home telephone.The signal is transmitted from a base station, except you're receiving the signal to a computer, which can move about. It’s very flexible.

Now that is simple. So how do I receive the wireless signal?
You need to install transmitters around your office. All new and recent laptops and some desktop computers are now WiFi enabled to receive this signal as standard.

Then we’re all set. What kind of wireless coverage can I get at work?
As much as you like. It depends how many transmitters you install.

Can it link between buildings?
Yes. More powerful transmitter aerials can point to each other and link a network between buildings, as long as they can 'see' each other.

I’ve heard I can also pick up a broadband network outside the office. Is this true?
Yes that’s right. Many public places such as airports, Starbucks cafés and gyms will let you on to their broadband network for a subscription fee or on a one-off pay as you go system. It’s easy.

So if I go into a Starbucks, for example, and need to use broadband, what happens?
As soon as you switch on your internet browser, it will give you instructions as how to pay and ask how long you want to use it for.

That’s very useful for business trips.
It is. BT even offer an open zone pass so you can use broadband in most places, and one company plans to make it available over the whole of London's financial district.

How can I know where to access broadband through WiFi?
‘There are many hotspots where you can log in to a WiFi signal in the UK and all over the world – it’s now even available near the North Pole! Check out this link (link here) to find out more.

Brrrr! Not sure I’m planning to go that far! Nearer home though, my laptop once picked up an unknown broadband network automatically. How come?
It may have picked up a signal that isn’t secure and therefore doesn’t need an access code. This isn’t reliable or recommended!

That reminds me. What about security concerns with WiFi?
In the office, the latest encryption system called WPA is regarded as secure. Security risks are usually more about human error than technical problems, such as leaving passwords on stickies on your desktop. (You can find out more about security here).

Oops! Sounds familiar! What about the security of data on my laptop when I’m out of the office?
Any laptop running Microsoft XP comes automatically with a protective firewall – but make sure you don’t turn it off!

Phew. And what about if our visitors/clients with laptops want to log into our network using WiFi?
Using some Wireless Network base stations, you can supply them with basic broadband-only access. Naturally data on your own corporate LAN network will be secured. Different levels are available, to visitors or staff.

That’s good, but isn’t it still safer to use a wired network?
Not necessarily, with the latest encryption. With wired, you’re already plugged into the network, but with WiFi you need an extra password just to get to that level.

So why don't we just ditch wired broadband and go straight to WiFi?
Despite wireless advantages, wired is still faster (WiFi only downloads at 54 Megabits per second, whereas wired can reach 100-1000 Mps). Wired is also more reliable, and has other benefits.

Thanks. WiFi is good, but I’d better still keep using the cables too.

Every organisation has its own set of issues and priorities. At we work hard to keep ahead of the game on fighting Junk Mail.

If you want to know what would be the most efficient and cost-effective method for you, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.

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