Managing Automation - September 2008 - (Page 1)

Advertisement The Case for an Untethered Enterprise Authors: Kevin Prouty, Senior Director Manufacturing Solutions Group Manish Rai, Director of Product Marketing Enterprise WLAN T oday, most enterprises are running two separate networks – one wired, and one wireless. Most enterprises have treated Wi-Fi as an ancillary tool, meant to complement, but not replace, a company’s wired Ethernet network. A completely wireless network eliminates cabling costs and unshackles employees from desks. Further, a recent analysis conducted by Motorola shows that the cost of a wireless LAN deployment is generally 1/10 to 1/5 that of the cost of a wired LAN, depending on the size and nature of the deployment. And it’s not always just about cost. Kilkenny Castle, a historic castle in Kilkenny, Ireland recently upgraded their network from a dial-up internet connection to a full wireless solution. Tasked with networking the castle without compromising its structural integrity or visual appeal, they worked with Motorola to design a wireless solution that was installed in only four days. Like at Kilkenny Castle, today’s technological advances have allowed wireless networks to rival, or exceed, wired networks in all critical areas: a graphical interface that shows the location and performance of every access point and user on the network. Today’s corporate Wi-Fi networks are extremely resilient and, in many cases, self-healing. If one access point fails, a neighboring access points takes over. If the central wireless switch loses power, a redundant switch will take over. The pieces you need for a secure, reliable WLAN architecture are: • Wireless switches: A switch should support all forms of 802.11, including 802.11n. The switch should provide failover capabilities, ensuring high availability and reliability. Furthermore, the switch should include the expansion ports to enable a wireless WAN backhaul connection. • 802.11 Wireless access points: Access points should offer three radios and include support for 802.11n. The unique tri radio model should integrate three 802.11n draft 2.0 radios to deliver high speed client access, mesh backhaul and dedicated dual band IPS functionality simultaneously. • Mesh access points: To mitigate wiring and to enable outdoor network connections, many enterprises are deploying wireless mesh networks. An AP should support mesh capabilities. • Point to Point and Point to Multipoint: Wireless Ethernet bridges provide highly reliable connections between buildings -- even in high-interference or obstructed environments. Bridges should provide long-range connections of up to hundreds of miles -- including links over large bodies of water. • Centralized Management: A full suite of management software is needed for simplified and accurate site design and modeling, aroundthe-clock protection against attacks and unauthorized access, and day-today management of your entire mobility solution — from your wireless infrastructure to mobile devices and wireless applications — inside and out. Until recently, most enterprises have chosen to deploy Wi-Fi in addition to a wired network. But with the introduction of 802.11n, which will typically require an upgrade to the wired network as well, enterprises can save significant capital and feel confident in the decision to go completely wireless. In addition to matching or exceeding the performance of wired networks, the Wireless Enterprise is all about “getting rid of the wires, inside and out.” And, if we can help connect an 800 year old castle, we can help connect your enterprise. Find out more and view a video case study of Kilkenny Castle by visiting us at: www.motorola.com/wireless enterprise • Performance: The latest Wi-Fi standard uses multiple input/multiple output (MIMO) technology, which can simultaneously transmit three data streams. 802.11n is very fast, offering throughput rates close to 248 Mbps in a clean environment and around 150 Mbps in real-world conditions; these rates are significantly faster than a wired Fast Ethernet connection • Security: Just as Wi-Fi speed has come a long way, so has Wi-Fi security. Today, it’s safe to say a good Wi-Fi network can be as safe as, if not safer than, a wired network because the wireless industry offers myriad mechanisms for protecting a wireless LAN. • Reliability: Today, the best Wi-Fi networks are very reliable. They are managed from a central switch, with http://www.motorola.com/wirelessenterprise

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Managing Automation - September 2008

Managing Automation - September 2008 Contents Take 1 Letters Tech Vendors Defy Economic Slump by Plugging into Developing World Growth New E2open Chief Outlines Plan to Accelerate Growth Is This Marketing as It Used to Be or Something New? The OMAC Group Attempts to Widen Its Influence Automation Federation Names Chief, Plots Growth Notes Cover story: The Innovation Gap Special Report: Meet the Progressive Manufacturing High Achievers Progressive Manufacturer of the Year Business Model Mastery Innovation Mastery Customer Mastery Supply Network Mastery Data & Integration Mastery Education & Training Mastery Leadership Mastery Operational Excellence Mastery Special Report: Catching the Wireless Wave Part 1: No Clear Infrastructure Winner Part 2: Wireless Apps Take Wing Part 3: The Human Side of Wireless Product Scan Advertiser Index Next

Managing Automation - September 2008

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