Wireless

Wireless local area networks for client/server environments should be designed to be a transparent wireless extension of existing enterprise networks and offer levels of scalability, flexibility, modularity and functionality to meet the unique needs of each customer. Wireless networks should also provide a true open systems client/server solution designed for front-line mobile computing in the real world.

When evaluating open-systems client/server solutions, seek answers to the following questions when comparing one system to another:

• Does the solution provide a migration path to the evolving IEEE 802.11 standard and other emerging radio technologies?
• Can your network support radios from other vendors or are you locked into the radio technology developed and supported by your network provider?

• Can you use industry standard network management platforms to manage the wireless backbone and mobile computers?
• Is the wireless mobile solution an extension of the wired backbone, supporting industry standard protocols such as TCP/IP and IPX/SPX?

• Does your network provider offer a wide range of terminals and a choice of radios to choose from to fill a variety of communications needs?
• Is your system open to supporting peripheral devices from other vendors in the wireless infrastructure or are you limited to using only devices from your network?