Secure wireless technology for investment returns
Wireless technologies are moving into the enterprise arena boosted by many advantages. It is the platform from which a number of converged data and voice services have been launched and it provides increased mobility – and therefore productivity - for computer users.
In this article, Juri Keyter, chief technical officer at Venture Communications, looks at the issues that surround wireless networking with a particular emphasis on the returns on organisations’ investments in the technology.
Undoubtedly, wireless and mobile technologies are having an increasing impact on corporate networks because they are popular replacements for traditional wired LANs.
Technologies such as Wi-Fi – based on the IEEE 802.11standard - or WiMax (also known as 802.16x) are growing in stature, particularly in new or “Greenfield” installations where wireless is the technology of choice because the capital investment is seen as more enduring.
Wireless devices can be moved from building to building to accommodate growth and change - and there is no inconvenient cabling to deal with.
COST SAVINGS
In addition, the cost savings in terms of changes, moves and additions - when compared to a wired environment - are significant, particularly if large numbers of users are involved.
Another positive aspect of wireless technology is its impact on productivity. Users can now take their laptop computers, personal digital assistants and even voice-over-data telephones from office to office and boardroom to meeting room without losing the connection.
Even more impressive is the fact that wireless networks are spawning new applications, such as location systems that are able to pin-point people and assets within the building.
These systems use the wireless network access points for reference in much the same way as ground positioning systems (GPS’s) use satellites for location identification on earth.
MOVING OUT OF THE OFFICE
With the South African telecommunications authorities becoming more favourably disposed to voice transmissions over data lines, the scene is set for high speed wireless networks to take wireless communications out of the office and onto the road.
This will be fuelled by the increasing acceptance of wireless voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – which is also gaining pace as a result of Government deregulation.
The stakes are high as vendors look to “push” the new technologies into the marketplace and develop applications that will create new niche markets for themselves.
THE DANGERS
This has created a climate in which the positive “hype” is in danger of drowning out the more cautious statements – from those that warn of the dangers of wireless from security and performance perspectives.
There are risks associated with wireless technologies. Most company decision makers have been given the “scare-stories” of competitors “war-driving” and connecting to unprotected wireless networks from the car-park using wireless-enabled laptop computers.
While these situations have occurred and corporate secrets have been stolen by hackers and others with mal-intent, a far more serious problem associated with wireless networks has become apparent. This is overload.
As networks increase in size and complexity, the challenges of maintaining acceptable performance levels through optimal bandwidth, escalate exponentially.
Frequency congestion and interference translate into poor connection reception and a breakdown in the fabric of the network, often with catastrophic results.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Wireless network infrastructures are characterised by a mixture of intelligent access points, thin access point/wireless switch architectures - some with centralised management and security capabilities - mesh routing in network backbones and other technologies and components.
In the case of new installations, it is therefore imperative that experts be consulted not only in terms of the design, but also from security and performance perspectives as well.
Design criteria must include careful placement of critical components, such as antennae, to avoid obstacles and reduce interference. It’s important to specify products with features such as “automatic data rate fallback” functionality so that connectivity is optimised no matter how challenging the environment.
SECURITY
From a security standpoint, the first step is to incorporate a security rollout plan in the initial phases of the wireless network design. Today, more powerful, proactive security systems are needed required to meet the range of threats that face companies.
These include threats from within – from mobile employees, teleworkers, contractors, business partners and others with access to the network.
It also must address external threats from hackers intent on sourcing confidential information and compromise corporate assets or disruption of the business process.
These attacks include viruses, denial of service attacks, application layer assaults, Trojans and other forms of worms and malware.
A proper evaluation/analysis strategy will help to secure all aspects of the wireless network, including all endpoint devices - be they personal computers, laptops, PDAs or other devices – as well as the network perimeter.
At the heart of an effective security strategy should be the basic requirement that every device runs a firewall and anti-virus protection before it is granted a connection to the network.
USER POLICIES
Finally the concept of clearly defined user policies is important as they are increasingly seen as part of the “good corporate governance” requirements as laid down by Sarbanes Oxley and the King II directives.
Adherence to these guidelines, together with the implementation of training programmes to help network users optimise the corporate investment will go a long way to realising the levels of return on investment that were envisaged in the minds of the wireless network designers from the outset.
