Considerations for Using Wireless Connections

When evaluating wireless versus wired connections, consider the advantages and disadvantages give your infrastructure and environment:

Mobility	Is your network mostly used by laptop computers, tablets or smartphones? Wireless is more portable than wired connections.
Convenience	Wireless networks do not require cabling to individual computers or opening computer cases to install network cards.
Speed	If highest network speed is important to you, you might want to consider using Ethernet connections rather than wireless connections.
Range and Coverage	If your network environment contains numerous physical barriers or interference factors, wireless networking might not be suitable for your network.
Security	Wireless networks have inherent security issues because of the unrestricted nature of the wireless transmissions. However, the wireless security appliance is a firewall and has NAT capabilities which provides security, and you can use WPA or WPA2 to secure data transmissions.

Recommendations for Optimal Wireless Performance

SonicWall recommends the following for optimal wireless performance:

• Place the wireless security appliance near the center of your intended network. This reduces the possibility of eavesdropping by neighboring wireless networks.
• Minimize the number of walls or ceilings between the wireless security appliance and the receiving points such as PCs or laptops.
• Try to place the wireless security appliance in a direct line with other wireless components. Best performance is achieved when wireless components are in direct line of sight with each other.
• Building construction can affect wireless performance.
  • Avoid placing the wireless security appliance near walls, fireplaces, or other large solid objects.
  • Placing the wireless security appliance near metal objects such as computer cases, monitors, and appliances can affect performance of the unit.
  • Metal framing, UV window film, concrete or masonry walls, and metallic paint can reduce signal strength if the wireless security appliance is installed near these types of materials.
• Installing the wireless security appliance in a high place can help avoid obstacles and improve performance for upper stories of a building.
• Neighboring wireless networks and devices can affect signal strength, speed, and range of the wireless security appliance.
• Devices such as cordless phones, radios, microwave ovens, and televisions might cause interference on the wireless security appliance.