Is wireless Internet a big step forward or much ado about nothing?
Workers in Fredericton can step outside their offices, laptops in hand, and connect to the Internet from pretty much anywhere, thanks to the Fred-eZone, the free wireless network that blankets the entire downtown core.
Wireless connectivity is a big deal and it’s only gaining momentum. As the Fredericton example shows, some cities have taken the initiative and created large areas of free, wireless Internet access known as hot spots. Calgary installed wireless access in several downtown locations and Kamloops, B.C., has partnered with a wireless provider to blanket the entire city with wireless access, which should be up and running in the next couple of months for a fee. Hamilton and Toronto’s respective hydro providers, Horizon Utilities and Toronto Hydro, are also planning citywide hot spots.
But before businesses leap onto the wireless bandwagon, it’s important to understand what this technology actually entails and whether or not it’s any better than the old-fashioned wired variety.
Is wireless safe?
This question continues to be controversial. Since cellphones were first licensed 21 years ago in Canada many media reports and studies have linked electromagnetic fields (EMF) to brain cancer, childhood leukemia and miscarriages.
Studies conducted by the California Public Utilities Commission state that while there is no proven link between EMF exposure and these diseases, the possible risk warrants further investigation. Certainly exposure levels are rising rapidly across the globe with the proliferation of cellphone towers, wireless networks and electronic devices. Most studies have been unable to prove that common, everyday exposures are a health hazard.
But that lack of hard evidence hasn’t stopped Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont., from banning wireless. The university, citing both health and security concerns, has decided against installing the technology.
The wireless industry has responded to health concerns by reducing signal levels while using technological advances to keep up performance. Health Canada has said there is no scientific reason to consider the use of wireless communications devices dangerous to health.
Is wireless accessible?
Stories abound about people driving around neighbourhoods searching for unsecured access to the Internet.
When at work, school or another wireless hot spot, location definitely matters. Just as there are “dead spots” for cellular service there are also wireless dead spots. Service interruptions can occur for any number of reasons and can occur more frequently than on a hard-wired network.
On the other hand, it’s extremely useful to connect to a network from wherever is most convenient, instead of where the IT department installed wiring. When working at home, using a laptop in the dining room or in front of the television without investing in the struggle to install wiring is a liberating experience.
Is wireless secure?
Keeping data secure and private is dependent on the technology used, and on the existence and enforcement of business processes to keep it secure and private.
Electronic and physical security make the protection of data possible, but both demand rigour in their enforcement. In addition, new viruses and scams arrive daily, but many organizations don’t have the staff to manage the challenge.
However, the technological challenges are the same whether the organization sets up wireless connections in an office or employees set up a wireless network at home.
Every wireless network should be secured. At home, that means ensuring all devices and networks are password protected. At the office, a combination of user authentication and encryption will achieve the same results if protocols are followed. Encrypting e-mail is a great idea, but leaving the printout lying around negates the effort.
A firewall and up-to-date antivirus software is also essential for ensuring data is secure. These tools stop hackers who establish fake wireless entry points, called “honey pots,” that mimic a legitimate wireless network allowing them to gain access to passwords and data.
Clearly the IT department will have access to more robust tools than employees will at home but, in either case, the right tools can make any wireless network as secure as a wired one. Preventing laptop theft is much more difficult than keeping hackers out of a wireless network.
Is wireless cheaper?
Wireless means there is no expense of running wiring and no struggles with trying to snake wires though older buildings. Metal construction, block and brick walls can interrupt the signal and make connecting more difficult. Distance is the main limitation. To keep the electromagnetic fields within prescribed safety levels, the signal levels are limited and, as such, repeaters, a device to regenerate the wireless signal, may be necessary.
Wireless networks can be private or public, and in the case of public networks they can be free, which is rare, or based on a fee structure. Toronto Hydro’s new service — Hydro Telecom — plans to blanket the financial district, street corners and homes and hopes to have citywide coverage within three years. Beginning in September, the first six months will be free after which it will charge a fee.
Is wireless desirable?
For some, being able to access data remotely has a huge impact on how well they can do their job. But if the extent of an employee’s travels is to go to the closest wired meeting room, or if she works in her office all day long, then wireless might seem to be much ado about nothing.
Ian Turnbull is managing partner of Laird & Greer Management Consultants, specializing in HR, payroll and time system selection and management. He is co-author of: HRMS: A Practical Approach published by Carswell. He can be reached at [email protected] or (416) 618-0052.
Wireless connectivity is a big deal and it’s only gaining momentum. As the Fredericton example shows, some cities have taken the initiative and created large areas of free, wireless Internet access known as hot spots. Calgary installed wireless access in several downtown locations and Kamloops, B.C., has partnered with a wireless provider to blanket the entire city with wireless access, which should be up and running in the next couple of months for a fee. Hamilton and Toronto’s respective hydro providers, Horizon Utilities and Toronto Hydro, are also planning citywide hot spots.
But before businesses leap onto the wireless bandwagon, it’s important to understand what this technology actually entails and whether or not it’s any better than the old-fashioned wired variety.
Is wireless safe?
This question continues to be controversial. Since cellphones were first licensed 21 years ago in Canada many media reports and studies have linked electromagnetic fields (EMF) to brain cancer, childhood leukemia and miscarriages.
Studies conducted by the California Public Utilities Commission state that while there is no proven link between EMF exposure and these diseases, the possible risk warrants further investigation. Certainly exposure levels are rising rapidly across the globe with the proliferation of cellphone towers, wireless networks and electronic devices. Most studies have been unable to prove that common, everyday exposures are a health hazard.
But that lack of hard evidence hasn’t stopped Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont., from banning wireless. The university, citing both health and security concerns, has decided against installing the technology.
The wireless industry has responded to health concerns by reducing signal levels while using technological advances to keep up performance. Health Canada has said there is no scientific reason to consider the use of wireless communications devices dangerous to health.
Is wireless accessible?
Stories abound about people driving around neighbourhoods searching for unsecured access to the Internet.
When at work, school or another wireless hot spot, location definitely matters. Just as there are “dead spots” for cellular service there are also wireless dead spots. Service interruptions can occur for any number of reasons and can occur more frequently than on a hard-wired network.
On the other hand, it’s extremely useful to connect to a network from wherever is most convenient, instead of where the IT department installed wiring. When working at home, using a laptop in the dining room or in front of the television without investing in the struggle to install wiring is a liberating experience.
Is wireless secure?
Keeping data secure and private is dependent on the technology used, and on the existence and enforcement of business processes to keep it secure and private.
Electronic and physical security make the protection of data possible, but both demand rigour in their enforcement. In addition, new viruses and scams arrive daily, but many organizations don’t have the staff to manage the challenge.
However, the technological challenges are the same whether the organization sets up wireless connections in an office or employees set up a wireless network at home.
Every wireless network should be secured. At home, that means ensuring all devices and networks are password protected. At the office, a combination of user authentication and encryption will achieve the same results if protocols are followed. Encrypting e-mail is a great idea, but leaving the printout lying around negates the effort.
A firewall and up-to-date antivirus software is also essential for ensuring data is secure. These tools stop hackers who establish fake wireless entry points, called “honey pots,” that mimic a legitimate wireless network allowing them to gain access to passwords and data.
Clearly the IT department will have access to more robust tools than employees will at home but, in either case, the right tools can make any wireless network as secure as a wired one. Preventing laptop theft is much more difficult than keeping hackers out of a wireless network.
Is wireless cheaper?
Wireless means there is no expense of running wiring and no struggles with trying to snake wires though older buildings. Metal construction, block and brick walls can interrupt the signal and make connecting more difficult. Distance is the main limitation. To keep the electromagnetic fields within prescribed safety levels, the signal levels are limited and, as such, repeaters, a device to regenerate the wireless signal, may be necessary.
Wireless networks can be private or public, and in the case of public networks they can be free, which is rare, or based on a fee structure. Toronto Hydro’s new service — Hydro Telecom — plans to blanket the financial district, street corners and homes and hopes to have citywide coverage within three years. Beginning in September, the first six months will be free after which it will charge a fee.
Is wireless desirable?
For some, being able to access data remotely has a huge impact on how well they can do their job. But if the extent of an employee’s travels is to go to the closest wired meeting room, or if she works in her office all day long, then wireless might seem to be much ado about nothing.
Ian Turnbull is managing partner of Laird & Greer Management Consultants, specializing in HR, payroll and time system selection and management. He is co-author of: HRMS: A Practical Approach published by Carswell. He can be reached at [email protected] or (416) 618-0052.
