Wireless Network Strategy Proposal 1

Wireless Network Strategy Proposal

Laura M. Ross

Bryant and Stratton College

Wireless Network Strategy Proposal 2

Table of Contents

Why Wireless?.....................................................................................................................3

Wireless Technology Basics................................................................................................3

Wireless Network Architecture........................................................................................3

Wireless Network Types..................................................................................................4

Wireless Network Standards............................................................................................5

Wireless Network Hardware............................................................................................5

Wireless Configuration....................................................................................................7

Wireless Network Security..............................................................................................7

Wireless Network Equipment Recommendations...............................................................8

Wireless Access Point Recommendations.......................................................................8

Wireless Access Point Specifics..................................................................................9

Wireless Access Point Costs......................................................................................11

Wireless Access Point Locations...............................................................................11

Wireless Access Point Management..............................................................................12

Wireless Network Map......................................................................................................13

Network Specifications......................................................................................................14

References..........................................................................................................................16

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Why Wireless?

Wireless networking is an integral part of a digital network strategy. Wireless devices

have changed the way we communicate and share information, and they offer many important

advantages, particularly for businesses. One advantage is the mobility allowed by wireless

technology, so business can be conducted from just about anywhere. It may be as simple as

taking laptops and tablets around the office to collaborate, or it may be the benefit of working on

the road during a daily commute or at the airport. Another advantage offered by wireless

technology is scalable. A new device can be connected instantly without worrying about running

cords and wires (which can also be unsightly). A wireless network can also reach further than is

reasonable to run wires and connectors. For these reasons and more this proposal seeks to

explain the fundamental principals of wireless technology so it can be better implemented and

utilized by Bryant and Stratton.

Wireless Technology Basics

The following section outlines basic principles of wireless networking, such as the types

of wireless networks, wireless standards, wireless hardware, how wireless networks are

managed, and wireless security.

Wireless Network Architecture

There are two basic architectures for Wireless Networks. These are ad-hoc and

infrastructure. Ad-hoc networks are created by each device making a direct connection with

every other device on the network. These are largely impractical, because once the size of the

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network exceeds a few devices the connection become difficult to manage. Infrastructure

networks, on the other hand, use wireless access points (WAPs). Data is sent to the WAP and

then forwarded by that access point to the intended recipient.

Wireless Network Types

There are several wireless network types that are distinguished by scope.

Personal Area Network (PAN): A personal area network is the smallest type of network.

It connects a few personal devices, such as a tablet, printer, computer, speakers, and

phones. These types of networks aren’t meant to connect devices accessed by many

people.

Local Area Network (LAN) and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN): This is a

relatively small network that connects devices that are part of the same

organization/group and are located in a reasonably small proximity to each other, such as

an office building. LANs use wires to connect devices together, while WLANs use

wireless radio signals to connect devices.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): This is a network owned and operated by a city.

Wide Area Network (WAN) and Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN): This is a

larger network that connects LANs and WLANs together. As with LANs and WLANs,

WANs are connected using wires, and WWAN are connected using wireless radio signals.

These networks may connect an organization spread over multiple geographic locations

to form an organization-wide network. The internet is a type of WAN, because it connects

several other (W)WANs and (W)LANs to form one enormous network of connected

devices.

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Wireless Network Standards

Wireless Networks operate using the 802.11 and 802.11x standards developed by the

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These standards explain the various

radio frequencies and channels that are used to transmit data. The chart below explains the

primary standards used in the USA to create wireless networks.

Standard Frequency Range

Data Speed (MAX)

Approximate Indoor Range (MAX)

Number of Channels

802.11a 5 GHz 54 Mbps 100 ft. 23 (12 that don’t overlap)802.11b 2.4 GHz 11 Mbps 100ft. 11 (3 that don’t overlap)802.11g 2.4 GHz 54 Mbps 125 ft. 11 (3 that don’t overlap)802.11n 2.4 GHz or

5 GHz600 Mbps 225 ft. 2.4 GHz: 11(3 that don’t overlap)

5 GHz: 23 (12 that don’t overlap)802.11ac 5 GHz 1.3 Gbps 90 ft. Depends on how it is configured

Wireless Network Hardware

Wireless networks use several types of hardware to connect devices. These include

wireless access points, wireless routers, wireless repeaters, network switches, and wireless access

cards. Before covering the various devices it’s important to know how data is sent from one

device to another. Every device has a MAC address. This is a unique number assigned and

hardwired into every network device by the manufacturer. Network devices also have an IP

address, which are numerical numbers assigned to a network device. Unlike MAC addresses IP

address numbers can be assigned to a device, and they can and do change depending on the

configuration. The basic concept of MAC addresses and IP addresses help when learning how

network devices forward information from one device to another.

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Wireless Access Points: These are generally used in office buildings to form a WLAN.

These are connected to either a router, switch, or hub and converts a wired signal to a

wireless one. They don’t perform routing, but instead forward data to another device that

will determine where the information is supposed to be sent.

Wireless Access Point Controller: This device allows for easy management of several

wireless access points. It helps detect interference, load balance, and detect where

overlapping and coverage holes occur and make corrections.

Wireless Routers: These devices forward information based on IP addresses. Data is

separated into packets, and a destination IP is added to each packet so that the router

knows who the intended recipient is.

Wireless Repeater/Range Extender: This device boosts a wireless signal so that it can

reach longer distances.

Wireless Bridge: A wireless bridge connects network segments. It can connect wired

segments to wireless segments so they link together.

Network Switch: Network switches are used for LAN and WLAN communication. The

switch forwards data based on MAC addresses rather than IP addresses to reach the

intended recipient. If data need to be sent beyond the local network, it needs to be sent

via a router.

Wireless Access Cards/Network Access Cards: These are almost always pre-installed

on today’s devices to receive and transmit wireless signals so that the device can establish

a wireless connection.

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Wireless Configuration

Configuration of a wireless access points can be done either autonomously, with a

WLAN controller, or controller-less. Autonomous (stand-alone) access points were the earliest

iteration of wireless access points and are fairly limited, because autonomous WAPs have no

knowledge or interaction with other WAPs. WLAN controllers are physical devices that

configure the wireless access points on the network, allowing the network technician to make

changes and adjust settings. Controller-less WAPs allow the network technician to make changes

and adjust settings, but don’t require a physical device be installed to do so. Instead, the WAP’s

internal chip allows for the configuration that would normally be done by a controller.

Wireless Network Security

Wireless routers can be configured to use specific types of authentication and encryption.

Authentication means that the device trying to connect to the wireless network can be verified as

belonging on the network, and encryption means that the data sent over the wireless network has

been encoded so that it can’t be read without knowing the key to decrypt it. There are several

security modes that can be used when connecting to a WAP or router. These include:

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP): This is a form of security that is not used anymore,

because several security flaws were found and exploited (despite using 128-bit or 256-bit

encryption).

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA): This uses pre-shared keys and 256-bit encryption. Like

WEP, WPA security flaws have been found, so this encryption type also not

recommended.

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Wi-Fi Protected Access II with AES (WPA2-PSK (AES)): This uses AES algorithms

for encryption and a pre-shared key. This is the most commonly used encryption for most

WAPs and routers.

Wi-Fi Protected Setup Access II for Enterprise (WPA2-Enterprise (AES)): This

version of encryption uses pre-shared keys. Unlike WPA2-PSK, this uses a RADIUS

server to authenticate devices to the network, which offers security advantages (although

it also requires more oversight).

Wireless Network Equipment Recommendations

This section addresses the specific device recommendations for wireless network

coverage of Bryant and Stratton College. Some factors that were considered were room sizes and

uses, building materials that may present interference, the potential maximum number of devices

that must be supported, and outdoor coverage.

Wireless Access Point Recommendations

There are many vendors for wireless access points. After conducting a review of features

and services the recommendation is to purchase devices from the same manufacturer, Cisco.

Cisco is a well-recognized leader in networking equipment, and they are known from having

thorough information on the setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting needs of their networking

equipment. Additionally, there is 24-hour customer service support.

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Wireless Access Point Specifics

The following wireless access points are recommended:

Cisco Aironet 1562E (2 units)1: This model is designed for outdoor coverage. It

uses the 802.11ac standard for high data transfer speeds and backwards

compatibility. It operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Features

include:

o MIMO technology for up to three spatial streams.

o Four radios

o Interference detection (Cisco CleanAir)

o Noise reduction

o Can operate in a wide range of temperatures and climates

o Cisco Mobility Express, which is a controllerless technology that allows

for management of a large number of access points.

o Supports up to 400 users

o Cost: Approximately $1,150 each

o See the Wireless Network Map (pg. 13) for placement

Cisco Aironet 4800 (3 units)2: This model is designed for heavy usage. It uses

the 802.11ac standard for high data transfer speeds and backwards compatibility.

It operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Features include:

1 Cisco. (November 15, 2018). Cisco Aironet 1560 Series Outdoor Access Points Data Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/aironet-1560-series/datasheet-c78-737416.html

2 Cisco. (February 15, 2019). Cisco Aironet 4800 Access Point Data Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/aironet-4800-access-point/nb-09-air-4800-acces-ds-cte.html

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o MIMO technology for up to three spatial streams.

o Four radios

o Uses Category 5e ethernet for gigabit speeds

o Interference detection (Cisco CleanAir)

o Noise reduction

o Cisco Mobility Express, which is a controllerless technology that allows

for management of a large number of access points.

o Security that detects anomalies and network issues.

o Supports up to 400 users (although in practice this may be closer to 300)

o Cost: Approximately $600 each

o See the Wireless Network Map (pg. 13) for placement

Cisco Aironet 1815M (5 units)3: This access point is great for offices, because it

can penetrate walls and doors. It uses the 802.11ac standard for high data transfer

speeds and backwards compatibility. It operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

frequencies. Features include:

o AES encryption

o Two radios

o MU-MIMO that allows for simultaneous data transmission

o Cisco Mobility Express, which is a controllerless technology that allows

for management of a large number of access points.

3 Cisco. (February 14, 2019). Cisco Aironet 1815m Series Access Points Data Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/aironet-1815-series-access-points/datasheet-c78-738499.html

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o Supports up to 400 users

o Cost: Approximately $420 each

o See the Wireless Network Map (pg. 13) for placement

Wireless Access Point Costs

The total estimated cost for these devices is $6,200. Because they have controllerless

management there is no need to purchase an additional controller. Other costs include Cat 5e

cabling and any cable covers necessary.

Wireless Access Point Locations

The Cisco Aironet 4800 wireless access points will be located in the gymnasium, the

library, and in the center of the largest classrooms. This access point can handle the high traffic

needs of very large groups. Two Cisco Aironet 1562E wireless access points will be placed

between the main building and the gymnasium. This should ensure that there are no gaps in

outdoor coverage in the area surrounding the gymnasium and towards the front of campus. The

five Cisco Aironet 1815M wireless access points will be placed strategically throughout the

building to ensure all smaller classrooms and offices are covered. This layout should provide

maximum coverage throughout the campus, so devices can remain connected from any location.

The recommended layout of the wireless access points can be seen in the chart below.

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Wireless Access Point Management

The wireless access points will be managed by Cisco Mobility Express. The instructions

can be found here: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/mob_exp/83/

user_guide/b_ME_User_Guide_83.html.

The instructions explain how to use the mobility wizard to set up the controller, create the

wireless network, and use the Mobility Express software to manage the access points. A

“master” AP must be designated, and the remaining APs will be associated with it. The interface

is browser based, and provides all of the network management tools to oversee the network.

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Wireless Network Map

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Network Specifications

The network architecture recommended is infrastructure, as this is best for larger

networks and easier to manage than ad-hoc. The network type will be a Wireless Local Area

Network (WLAN), and is recommended to contain two Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs).

This is to increase security through network segmentation. The VLANs will be created by

area/department so that access to one VLAN does not allow access to all hosts on the network.

Network security is a concern, because the open nature of the wireless network. There

should be a VLAN created for teachers and staff with access to their secure resources. This

VLAN should use WPA2 with AES encryption. The teachers will need to have the network key,

and they will further need to authenticate to the network (managed through the school’s VPN

technology). The SSID for the secure VLAN is recommended to be “BryantStratton_Secure”.

Others will be able to use the guest VLAN network, and this will not require an encryption key.

The SSID for the open network is recommended to be “BryantStratton_[location]_Guest”. I

recommend “guest” because this is a common way to designate the open nature of this network.

MAC address control will not be used for the WLAN, because there are many devices that will

be connecting, and these may be constantly changing.

The recommended network standard is 802.11ac. This standard provides high speed data

transfer and backwards compatibility so that older/legacy devices can be used. The 802.11ac

standard operates at both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz standards, and is compatible with the older

802.11b/g/n standards. This standard also uses channel bonding to increase throughput.

As mentioned in the Wireless Access Point Management section, the access points will be

managed through Cisco Mobility Express (wherein a master AP controller is designated and the

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other APs are considered underneath this master). The channel configuration will need to be

determined after conducting a site survey. Because maximum wireless coverage is the goal, the

power settings will be set to their highest capacity, as this will help to ensure that more students

and teachers can access the WLAN as they move around campus.

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References

1. L-Com. (2016, May 17). An A to Z review of the 802.11 standards. Retrieved from http://www.l-com.com/content/Article.aspx?Type=N&ID=10638

2. TestOut Network Pro. (n.d.). Section 10.2.x. Retrieved from https://www.testout.com

3. Hoffman, Chris. (2017, July 20). Wi-Fi Security: Should You Use WPA2-AES, WPA2-TKIP, or Both? Retrieved from https://www.howtogeek.com/204697/wi-fi-security-should-you-use-wpa2-aes-wpa2-tkip-or-both/

4. Wikepedia. (n.d.) Wireless LAN controller. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_LAN_controller

5. Cisco. (November 15, 2018). Cisco Aironet 1560 Series Outdoor Access Points Data Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/aironet-1560-series/datasheet-c78-737416.html

6. Cisco. (February 15, 2019). Cisco Aironet 4800 Access Point Data Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/aironet-4800-access-point/nb-09-air-4800-acces-ds-cte.html

7. Cisco. (February 14, 2019). Cisco Aironet 1815m Series Access Points Data Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/aironet-1815-series-access-points/datasheet-c78-738499.html