A wireless local-area network (WLAN) uses radio waves to connect devices, such as laptops, to the Internet and to your business network and applications.

A wireless router or access point’s signal typically extends up to approximately 90metres

Many routers act as WLAN access points. They connect multiple computers (and wireless-capable printers) to a single WLAN and to the Internet.

You can extend WLANs throughout an area by placing additional wireless access points in various locations. The access points extend the wireless signal’s range and strength.

Most laptops have built-in wireless networking. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need a wireless network adapter card, which is typically inexpensive and easy to install.

Small businesses can experience many benefits from a WLAN. A few examples:

• You can access network resources from any location within the wireless network’s coverage area.
• Wireless access to the Internet and to company resources help your staff be more productive and collaborative.
• You don’t have to string cables, as you do with wired networks. Installation can be quick and cost-effective.
• You can easily expand WLANs where and as needed, because no wires are involved.
• By eliminating or reducing wiring expenses, WLANs can cost less to operate than wired networks.

The maximum connection length for different UTP cables between networking devices:

Cat 5 – 100 meter 
Cat 5e – 100 meter 
Cat 6 – 100 meter 

Of course you can run cable more than specified maximum length, but the network performance might be dropped due to packet loss and transmission error.

If you need a patch cord, you can get them pre-made in lengths from 0.5m to over 5m. For the best reliability and performance these pre-made cables are the only way to go. If you are making a longer run, especially when running through walls or ceilings, go with Cat6 (solid) UTP cable and have it professionally installed.

Computers are a business essential and continuity critical tool for your business. While your brother/sister/uncle/cousin might be a short term solution, it is much better in the long run to employ professionals. Most people who can “do computers” are not trained in how to get the most security and reliability out of computer systems. It is a much better business choice to spend a bit more money now to have trained and certified experts install and configure your computer systems thus avoiding having to pay in lost productivity due to downtime later on.

Managed services are a set of tools and services that can be used to monitor and maintain the health and performance of your network and proactively eliminate problems before they have the chance to effect system uptime.

Network monitoring refers to using devices and programs to monitor the status, health, availability and performance or various devices on a network. This monitoring looks at things like network connectivity, error logs, processor and disk usage and virus definitions. It does not allow someone to see data or what a user might be doing.