HSIA Equipment Strategy Overview.
The optimal High Speed Internet Access equipment strategy for your business is to have a hardwired infrastructure with a wireless overlay. This strategy provides both the secure private hardwired connection for infastructure, corporate and/or government needs and the convenience of a wireless connection for those who prefer mobility over security.

Another advantage for users: WiFi is standardized at an international level. In principle, this technology makes it possible for equipment to inter operate completely, whatever the brand or the type of terminal.

Hardwired Equipment Options - Secured:
There are two basic hardwired private network equipment options. The first is Managed Ethernet Switches, which use a certified Cat-5 wiring cable plant infrastructure. This is the preferred, most trouble free equipment option for your business.

The second option is for those who cannot install a Cat-5 wiring cable plant infrastructure because of cost and/or construction considerations, and is called VDSL. This option uses the existing Cat-3 telephone cable in the property. VDSL Managed Switches are installed in the telephone room and connected to the Main Distribution Frame of the telephone system. In each room, a VDSL modem is connected between the telephone and the telephone jack. This VDSL modem provides an Ethernet connection for any computers. The VDSL modem requires an A/C power outlet near the telephone jack to function. Please note: Optional brackets, power strips or multi-port blocks and pull-through devices reduce any tampering with the in room equipment connections.

Both Managed Ethernet and Managed VDSL Switches provide the Virtual LAN or VLAN port segmentation necessary for a private secure connection to each room.

Wireless Equipment Options:
There are two general types of Wireless Access Points (APs), internal and external. Internal Wireless APs tend to be smaller and less powerful (35 to 100 mw) than external wireless APs (250+ mw). The reason for this is that internal units are designed to be less intrusive and more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Internal units are also designed to penetrate internal walls and minimize "bleed-over" outside of a building. External Wireless APs are larger and more powerful because they designed to penetrate a building from the outside. External Wireless APs have no obstruction to prevent unwanted "bleed-over", thus allowing your neighbors access to your network if you require an open network configuration. This "bleed-over" can be minimized by using directional antennas.

Wireless Deployment Density Considerations:
In general, it is undesirable to have more than 5 to 10 concurrent users on one Wireless AP. The more users that access a single Wireless AP, the slower the service will be to all the users particularly if one user is downloading large files or is streaming video through the Wireless AP. This becomes particularly troublesome when a neighbor is accessing the Wireless AP. As more people utilize the Wireless Network, you will need to add Wireless APs. Note: A single high powered wireless AP may cover your property but it may not give you the service that is expecting and thus becoming detrimental to Satisfaction.

Wireless Cable and Power Considerations :
Wireless APs are installed at the end of a dedicated Cat-5 cable runs. Cat-5 cable has a practical distance limitation of 300 feet. Wireless APs use either a local AC power outlet or Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoE is provided by either an injector, or by a Managed PoE Switch. Using a PoE injector or PoE switch allows for more control over the quality of power supplied to the wireless APs, and can ease troubleshooting requirements. Note: Not all PoE injectors and PoE Switches are compatible with PoE capable Wireless APs. And not all Wireless APs support PoE and will therefore require A/C power outlet within 3 feet of the Wireless AP. Note: Wireless APs are adversely affected by other environmental conditions, such as condensation and heat.