When we hear WiFi, we often associate it with Internet access via wireless network. However,
WiFi may also be used for local area network and not necessarily have Internet access. For
some facilities, using wired network for LAN connection is not possible due to distance or
aesthetics. In this case, WiFi technology may be used as a low cost solution.
An example of a situation requiring a wireless network for LAN connection is for a resort
complex with buildings scattered in a large estate. The business units requiring a point of sale
(POS) device like restaurant, spa, dive shop, pool bar, etc, must be connected to the main
server but are scattered in different buildings that are hundreds of meters apart. The POS
devices need a secure wireless connection to the main server that is isolated from regular WiFi
Internet access.
A WiFi based LAN must implement multiple security features of the WiFi specifications. Among
these are hidden SSID, the use of WEP for encryption and the use of MAC address filtering to
help ensure that only known WiFi devices are connected to the network.
There are various devices that can be used for a WiFi LAN implementation. For situations that
need the devices to be located outside the building, weatherproof models should be used. It
is also important that devices to be exposed to the elements use power over ethernet (POE) to
avoid another cable run for the power supply. Also, use devices with a watchdog feature that
will automatically restart the device if the network connection is down. This feature will increase
uptime and lessen the need for on-site technical support work.
It is important that the WiFi LAN be implemented by experienced wireless network engineers to
help ensure efficient, reliable and cost effective connections. It is equally important to use high
quality devices supplied by local vendors that have been in the business for at least a few years
to help ensure your investment will have the technical support it needs in the long term.
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