Points to Note About Wireless Networking
Use of Laptops in Wireless Zones and Open Access Centres

There are a number of general points to note about Wireless Networking.

Security

Wireless networks are inherently less secure than wired networks. Because the signal is broadcast, any wireless device can listen to network traffic from any other wireless device that is in range. A wireless network must be regarded as being open and insecure and should not be used for accessing or transmitting sensitive or confidential information. It is the user’s responsibility to obtain and install any additional security features that may prevent eavesdropping on their network traffic.

 Coverage  

The closer a laptop is to an access point, the faster and more reliable the connection will be. Moving the laptop around may help get a better signal in a difficult area – the signal strength monitor on your laptop will be a useful positioning tool. Wireless speeds quoted by the standards are normally not realised in practice and coverage of a wireless network can be patchy, particularly in older buildings where thick walls and metal infrastructures can block or limit the signal.  It should also be noted that wireless networking is slower than a wired connection and, because it is a shared medium, the network will become slower as more computers are active in an area.

Interference 

Information Services has selected its Open Access Areas with care and tests for signal quality have been carried out at the nominated locations. However, it should be stressed that the frequencies used by wireless systems are unlicensed and may be used for other purposes.  This means that interference from other sources may occur resulting in a degraded signal.  Typical examples include:

• Adjacent third parties running wireless equipment /services
• Competing wireless networks running at higher signal strengths
• Use of Bluetooth devices operating on the same frequencies
• Output from microwave ovens