Business Case for Enterprise-Class Wireless LANs Book

Part I_ The Fundamentals of Wireless LAN Strategic Planning

Chapter 1 Introduction to Wireless LAN Technologies

Value of Mobility

OSI Layers and WLANs

Layer 1: Physical Layer

Layer 2: Data Link Layer

Layer 3: Network Layer

Layer 4: Transport Layer

Layer 5: Session Layer

Layer 6: Presentation Layer

Layer 7: Application Layer

A Brief History of WLANs

How Wireless Networks Function

WLAN Modes

WLAN Technologies

WLAN Radio Communications

Different WLAN Standards

Summary

Endnotes

Chapter 2 Business Considerations

Aligning Technology Solutions with Business Considerations

Economic Considerations

Step 1: Understand Your Organizational Ecosystem

Step 2: Define the Problem That You Are Trying to Solve

Step 3: Break the Problem Down

Step 4: Define WLAN-Enabled Solution

The Role of Infrastructure

Pros and Cons of the Wired Versus Wireless World

Effect on Cost and Spending

Security

Measuring the Business Value of Deploying Wireless

Total Cost of Ownership

Value of Ownership

Cost-Justification Analysis

Summary

Chapter 3 Preparation and Planning

Solutions Lifecycle

Preparation

Breadth and Scope of Deployment

Deployment Funding Strategies

Planning

Project Stakeholders

Users

Impact on Application Portfolio

Scalable Architecture

Security Strategy

Define High-Level Program Plan

Summary

Chapter 4 Supplementary and Complementary Services

Voice

WLAN Voice Devices

WLAN Voice Implementation Challenges

Video

Types of Video Traffic

WLAN Video Implementation Challenges

Guest Networking

Business Rationale for Enabling Guest Networking

Components of Guest Networking

Guest Networking Implementation Considerations

WLAN Location Services

Business Rationale for WLAN Location Services

Components of WLAN Location Services

WLAN Location Services Implementation Considerations

Summary

Additional Resources

Part II Wireless LAN Architecture, Design, and Deploym

Chapter 5 Guidelines for a Successful Architecture and Design

Architectural Considerations

WLAN Expectations

Key Components for an Effective WLAN Architecture

Design Considerations

Client-to-AP Ratio

Roaming

Environmental Considerations

Physical Attributes of the Surroundings

RF Environment

Local Governmental Regulations

Summary

Chapter 6 Wireless LAN Deployment Considerations

In-House Deployment Versus Outsourced Deployment

Internal Staff

Outsourced Resources

Architectural Milestones

Solutions Architecture

Security Posture

Deployment Dependencies

Change Management Process

Put the Supporting Infrastructure in Place

Provision AAA Capabilities

Define Security Standards and Policies

Put the Support Plan in Place

Put the Communication Plan in Place

Address Regulatory Issues

Management

Managing the Infrastructure

Managing the Clients

Support

Deploying the WLAN

Pre-Deployment Tasks

Managing the Deployment

WLAN Controller Configuration

WLAN Controller Installation

Deployment Checklist

Architecture

Deployment Methodology and Project Planning

Clients

Infrastructure

Deployment

Summary

Chapter 7 Security and Wireless LANs

Wireless Security in Your Enterprise

Thinking Securely

Different Security Models

WLAN Security Threats

Interception

Rogue APs

Denial of Service Attack

Wireless Security Mitigation Techniques

Encryption

Hashing

Authentication

EAP Types

Building a Secure WLAN

Trusted Versus Untrusted Wireless Networks

Define a Clear Security Posture

Define a Clear WLAN Security Policy

Secure Your APs

Use AAA

Physically Secure the Office Space

Communicate with Your Users

Secure Wireless at Home

Determine How to Support and Secure Mobile Devices

Determine How to Support and Secure Clients

Detect Rogue APs

Respond to Detected Rogue APs

Consider Using Intrusion Detection Systems

Summary

Chapter 8 Management Strategies for Wireless LANs

Solutions Lifecycle

Management Strategies

In-House WLAN Management

Outsource WLAN Management

FCAPS

Fault Management

Configuration Management

Accounting Management

Performance Management

Security Management

Where FCAPS Fails

Comparing Centralized and Distributed Management

WLAN Management

RF Management

Host Management

Client Management

Challenges Unique to WLAN Management

Dynamic Nature of the Transport Medium

Mobility of Endpoints

Intermittent Connectivity of Mobile Endpoints

Diverse Nature of Wireless Endpoints

Security Settings Management

Third-Party Wireless Software

Centralized Self-Service Model

Standardization

Manual Process

WLAN Reporting and Alerting

Standard/Systematic Reports

Trending

Alerts

Management Tools

Vendor-Specific WLAN Management Tools

Third-Party WLAN Management Tools

Common Network Management Platforms

Common Network Management Protocols

Internally Developed Tools

Summary

Part III Wireless LAN Deployment Case Stud

Chapter 9 Enterprise Case Study

Business Model

Defining the Business Case

The Strategic Value

Technology Considerations

Architecture Principles

Network Management

Client Management

Service and Support

Enhanced Services

Wireless Voice Services

Wireless Guest Networking

Security

Deployment and Implementation

Site Survey

Cabling

Access Point Configuration

Testing

Distribution of Wireless Network Cards and Instructions

Ongoing Project Management and Process

Business Benefits of the Solution

What the Future Holds

Modular Architecture: Centralized and Autonomous APs

Enhanced Security

Location-Based Services

Outdoor Wireless

Summary

Endnotes

Chapter 10Healthcare Case Study

Business Model

Defining the Business Case

The Strategic Value

Technology Considerations

Architectural Principles

WLAN Design

Network Management

Security

Project Management and Process

Deployment and Implementation

Site Survey

What the Future Holds

Tracking and Telemetry

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Summary

Chapter 11 Manufacturing Case Study

Business Model

Technology Considerations

Security

Coverage

Throughput

Deployment

What the Future Holds

Guest Access

Voice over IP

Rogue Access Point Detection

Summary

Chapter 12 Education Case Study

Business Model

Architectural Principles

Topology

802.11 Wireless Networking Standards

Access Point Settings

Signal Strength, Antennas, and Outdoor Coverage

Radio Cell Architecture

Global Naming Standards

Wireless Equipment

Network Management

Service and Support

Tier 1: Information Services

Tier 2: Element IT and Learning and Environment Department

Tier 3: Network and Communication Services

Client Management

Security and Rogue AP Detection

Deployment and Implementation

Deployment Phases

Site Survey

Cabling

Access Point Configuration

Testing

Ongoing Project Management and Process

Challenges

Lessons Learned and Recommendations

Sort Out Support Up Front

Build a Solid and Well-Tested Architecture

Understand Your Users

Establish a Web Portal

Integrate the Solution into Existing Business Processes

Measuring the Benefits

What the Future Holds

Summary

Part IV Appendi

Appendix A Wireless LAN Standards Reference

Appendix B Wireless LAN Security References

Appendix C Example Project Plan for an Enterprise-Class WLAN Deployment

Glossary

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