Wireless Networks Causing Headaches For Businesses

ElvaWSJ writes "Wi-Fi was supposed to reduce complications, not create new ones. But in many offices Wi-Fi has been a headache. Like all radio signals, Wi-Fi is subject to interference. Its low power — less than even a typical cellphone — means that walls and cabinets can significantly reduce signal strength. Wi-Fi also creates networks that are more open than wired ones, raising security issues. And Wi-Fi has caused problems for virtual private networks. Some VPNs require a lot of processing power. If a wireless access point — at home, at the office, or on the road — isn't robust enough, a user often gets bumped off the connection."

Re:Um...

[Aqua_boy17]

Was that a tag, or a comment? Either way, it fits.

Corporate Solution

[TheMadcapZ]

At some point companies may wrap the exterior of the building with Faraday mesh to prevent radio signals from exiting the building with any significant range. External radio signals could be ported and broadcast within the building similar to the project to extend radio station signals into road tunnels as test in Pittsburgh, Pa. This would allow the company to control the signals that enter and exit the building while also allowing for cellphones and radios to work.

Now the cost to benefit ratio of such a system would most likely kills the idea unless the security of the network was highly valued.

Easy solution.

[Anonymous Coward]

Wireless Networks Causing Headaches For Businesses

A tin-foil hat. The problem goes away.

(You want me to read the what?)

Only on Slashdot:

[Anonymous Coward]

"Um.. Duh?" (Score: 5, Insightful)

Re:Security, security, security

[computational super]

A wired network for desktops. No floppies. No USB. The sensitive files stay within the building.

That doesn't guarantee security. If you really want to take security seriously, post snipers on the roof and have them shoot employees before they can make it into the building.

Re:Conference rooms

[CthulhuDreamer]

I'll go with forehead-slapping. Our company ordered all new furniture for the offices: big heavy desks with attached credenzas and file drawers, all with solid wood privacy panels pushed up against the wall jacks on three walls of each office. It took weeks to disassemble the furniture, rewire with low-profile plugs, then reassemble everything.

Re:More fear mongering

[Anonymous Coward]

mod be down you wankers

Won't some kind moderator please help out this poor poster? If I had mod points, I'd gladly help. -1 Offtopic, before you could answer the question, "mod be down with what?"

Re:Security, security, security

[frdmfghtr]

That doesn't guarantee security. If you really want to take security seriously, post snipers on the roof and have them shoot employees before they can make it into the building.

No no no!

You shoot them if they try to LEAVE the building...if you shoot them before they get in, they can't do any work.

Re:Am I the only one

[Anonymous Coward]

So it really could be adopted industry wide pretty much instantly, then.