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Experts agree that today's wireless networks are up to the task of providing the same degree of security that administrators expect in a wired network. This is because most wireless switches provide embedded security functions like firewall, Secure Sockets Layer virtual private network (SSL VPN), and intrusion detection and prevention systems. The latest switches also give you built-in port safety measures that allow access only to specified Media Access Control (MAC) addresses that can either be "learned" or specified.
The best switches are "smart" — engineered not only to examine units of data and deliver them appropriately, but also to examine whole application streams, or flows of packets, and take appropriate action on them. The right high-performance switch will allow you to establish traffic prioritization through assigning priority levels to data traffic. And functions such as Web acceleration, server load balancing and wide-area network (WAN) optimization keep your network processing as efficiently as possible.
Since switches can now perform most of the necessary security duties, the role of the access point (AP) is changing. As wireless networking has become common in most offices, there is a shift to "thin" APs. Whereas "fat" APs place management control at the AP level, "thin" APs are managed centrally from wireless switches. This approach simplifies installation and streamlines management and control of your APs.
Encryption and authentication
New authentication and encryption protocols greatly contribute to the safety of wireless networks. The 802.11x standard is currently the strongest and most preferred authentication standard because it is based on wired-network technology and is already accepted on most networks. The 802.11x standard uses the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP), which exchanges username and password information between devices and the network for secure connections.
The next step in securing your network is to encrypt the data between the wireless AP and the endpoint device so that data cannot be grabbed from the air. Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) is the strongest form of encryption available today for signal protection, and it is the standard format on 802.11x devices.
What to look for in a wireless switch
Today's wireless network switches feature advanced capabilities and unprecedented speed, security, range and reliability. Look for the following in your next purchase:
- IEEE standards: these devices support the older 802.11b, the current 802.11g and the upcoming 802.11n standards simultaneously so that different devices can all connect seamlessly to your network.
- Multiple-in, multiple-out (MIMO): by overlaying the signals of multiple radios, MIMO technology multiplies the effective data rate to 108Mbps in some situations. Unlike ordinary wireless networking technologies that are confused by signal reflections, MIMO actually uses these reflections to increase the range and reduce "dead spots" in the wireless coverage area.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): With PoE, you can mount APs anywhere, even without a power outlet.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Integrated QoS features provide consistent voice and video quality on wired and wireless networks, enabling the deployment of business-quality Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and video applications.
- Security: The latest APs support WPA2, protecting all wireless transmissions with powerful encryption. MAC address filters let you decide exactly who has access to the wireless network. Web-based management consoles provide easy configuration and advanced logging provides detailed reports.
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D-Link xStack DWS-3227P 24-port switch
Provides integrated wired and wireless switching, powerful security, centralized management, easy deployment, PoE and seamless Layer 3 roaming for movement between APs
CDW 1068370
LEARN MORE >>
D-Link xStack DWL-7230AP wireless AP
Designed specifically for large networks, this AP is compatible with a wide range of wireless devices including 802.11a/b/g and provides PoE and enhanced security features
CDW 909532
LEARN MORE >>
D-Link xStack DWS-3250 48-port switch
A 48-port version of the DWS-3227 above, the DWS-3250 has the same features and capabilities, including 802.11 authentication, automatic signature-based attack detection and centralized AP management
CDW 909528
LEARN MORE >>
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