CommScope® Enterprise Data Center Design Guide - Public ...

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Wireless Connections
High-speed wireless is a data communication medium that is growing in popularity. Access
points (APs) send and receive data from the desktop via signal enhancing antennas (SEA) that
are wired to the network.
Wireless networks, as defined by IEEE 802.11, do not require a cable connection to the
desktop. Access points (APs) operating at 2.4 GHz use signal enhancing antennas (SEAs) to
connect with devices enabled to act with a wireless network.
The main advantage of wireless networks is the freedom from a physical connection. Ideally,
devices may connect to the network if located within 100 meters (328 feet) of an access point.
Network speeds for wireless networks vary, although devices that support the latest iteration of
the standard (802.11g) permit speeds of up 54 Mb/s.
Like any other electronic device, APs require power. However, some systems carry power to the
APs over the same cable (power over Ethernet or PoE) that connects them to the network.
Wireless networks are ideal for data professionals that need to move within a facility, such as
technical support personnel or troubleshooters.
However, wireless networks operate at slower speeds relative to cabled networks and do not
have the inherent reliability of a hard connection. While wireless network offer the most
flexibility in connectivity, they also offer opportunities for tapping. 802.11i standards include
an advanced encryption standard that minimizes security concerns.