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IEEE has just approved a new standard for Mobile Broadband Wireless Access (MBWA).  The new standard 802.20 will provide full mobility and allows for a larger number of active users than existing mobile systems.  Truly mobile, 802.20 can support devices in vehicles such as cars, trains and subways traveling at speeds up to 150 miles per hour.  Additional benefits provided by the new standard include:

• Low latency
• Transmission speed up to 1 Mbps
• Optimized for IP-data transport
• Operates in licensed bands below 3.5 GHz

For more information on the new IEEE 802.20 standard you can read The Introduction to IEEE 802.20.

As I wrote yesterday in my post Supply Chain Trends, the top ten trends and technologies changing the supply chain are:

1. Comprehensive connectivity- 802.11 wireless LAN, Bluetooth, cellular networks

2. Voice and GPS integrated into rugged computers

3. Speech recognition

4. Digital imaging

5. Portable printing

6. 2D and other barcode advances

7. RFID

8. RTLS

9. Remote management

10. Wireless and device security

We’ve already taken a closer look at the first five trends/technologies, now let’s see how the last five (6-10) can improve your supply chain.

2D Barcodes- new technology advances are improving the reading ability of 2D barcodes, making them more desirable in many environments.  With the release of Intermec’s EX25 auto-focus scan engine, users can now scan both linear barcodes and 2D symbols.  In fact, it was barcode scanners not being able to read both types of symbols that kept many away from 2D barcodes.

RFID- vehicle mounted (like the one at left)and handheld RFID readers are increasing the flexibility of RFID systems.  Instead of the large investment to add stationary readers to every dock door, workers can travel throughout the facility with a mobile reader.  Errors can also be reduced because workers have the information right in their hands.

Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS)- now you can turn your wireless local area network into an asset tracking system.  Any device connected to a wireless LAN can be tracked, located and monitored.  You can also equip other expensive or important assets with RTLS for real-time monitoring.

Remote Management- powerful remote management systems are now created to specifically configure, monitor and trouble shoot your special devices.  Barcode readers, barcode printers, RFID equipment, rugged computers and other data collection equipment can now be managed by a system developed specifically for them.  Device management software will provide real-time monitoring of all your important and specialized equipment.

Wireless Security- mobile computers and data collection equipment support the leading securities, such as 802.11i, 802.1x, WPA, WPA2, LEAP, FIPS-140, RADIUS servers, VPNs and more.

These different technologies are changing supply chains and I think it’s really important that companies keep up with the latest trends to stay on top.  I know a lot of the top ten deserve a more detailed description of their benefits and uses.  If you have a certain top ten you’d like me to expand on please feel free to contact me at ehodges@barcode.com.

Because wireless networks transmit data through the air it’s essential to defend against unknown devices and clients trying to access your network.  We all know how important data protection is in this day and age, so it’s imperative to equip your wireless network with the hardware and software that will keep your data safe.  The Motorola White Paper, Enterprise Wireless LAN Security provides great tips on how to secure your wireless network.  This is just a summary list that provides some of the best practices to keep your network safe. For more information on specific products that you can implement in your network, you can read the entire Motorola White Paper at Enterprise Wireless LAN Security

• Wireless Firewall: Firewalls block unauthorized traffic, while allowing authorized traffic to access your network. They prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing your private network by blocking users who don’t meet defined security criteria.
• WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access 2): WPA2 was developed after weaknesses were identified with WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), the standard for wireless LAN security. WPA2 is the 2^nd generation of WPA security that provides the assurance that only authorized users will have access to your network. WPA2 uses the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and is said to be more secure than a wired network.
• NAC (Network Access Control): NAC’s block or quarantine devices that are non-compliant and also ensure that security measures such as antivirus software and firewall are properly enabled.
• Rouge Device Detection: In an enterprise network with thousands of assets, it’s always a good idea to have an up to date asset inventory and a network map. This will minimize the chance of a rouge device remaining undetected for very long. All new devices should be required to follow the same steps when joining the network so they can be added to the asset inventory and the network map. But for those devices that slip by, and they will, it’s essential to run periodic scans of your network.

The following are some of the standard components required to create a wireless LAN.  If you still need more guidance in the design of your wireless network, let me know, and I’ll get you in touch with someone who can help you out.

Wireless Access Points:

Wireless access points are what allow the wireless devices to connect to the wireless network.  The access points normally connect to a wired network through the Ethernet hub, but they can also send data over the air with wireless mesh techniques.  Typically, several wireless access points are attached to the wired network and then users can gain access to the office LAN wirelessly.  Basically, the wireless access points act as gateways for users to connect to the wired network from their mobile devices.  Pictured above is the Motorola AP-7131 Wireless Access Point, it can be controlled with a wireless switch to enable central management, but in the event of loss of connectivity it will resume as a standalone access point.  This type of wireless access point can eliminate the need to purchase additional equipment.

Wireless Switches or Controllers:

Because large wireless networks typically have a number of wireless access points spread throughout a significant coverage area it can become difficult to oversee.  Wireless switches or controllers can help reduce the cost and hassle to handle these types of large networks.  Wireless switches centralize functions like security and management and can control the wireless access points spread throughout your network.  Most switches have the ability to track hundreds or thousands of wireless devices within an infrastructure.  At left is the Motorola RFS7000 Wireless RF Switch, it is designed for large scale high bandwidth enterprise deployments.  This wireless switch is capable of supporting 8,000 to 96,000 mobile devices!

Client Radio Devices:

Client radio devices are PC cards or PCI cards that are slipped into any laptop or other device with a PC card slot and they provide instant wireless access and network connectivity.  Pictured at left is the Motorola LA-5137 Wireless Networker Compact Flash Radio Card, this radio card takes advantage of 802.11a/b/g, providing optimal wireless security and a variety of features.  To add wireless connectivity to Ethernet devices that don’t have a PC or PCI card slot, you can utilize a client bridge.  This device will allow you to extend secure and affordable wireless capabilities to multiple devices that don’t have PC card slots.  An example of a client bridge is pictured below, it is the Motorola CB3000.

Mobile Devices:

This is really the last part of the wireless solution.  The type of mobile devices you’ll be using to access your wireless network depend on the type of business you’re in.  Numerous varieties are available, from rugged mobile computers, to hand-held computers, to just a simple laptop, it’s the mobile devices that will be used to increase the efficiency of your business.  Mobile devices can facilitate faster decision-making and increase productivity for your business, so it’s important to employ the correct type.  A week from now I’ll begin posts focusing on mobile computers; the different types, where to use them, what to consider before purchasing and more.

Wireless LANs are made up of several key components that provide the wireless solution; there are many varieties of wireless accessories, so it’s important to implement the right ones for your business.   Depending on location and traffic, certain components may need to be added and others may not.  You need to determine the requirements of the wireless LAN before implementation.  Factors you need to consider before you start include:

• Coverage- you must determine the amount of coverage desired, how big or small is the area that users will operate the wireless devices in?
• Mobility- what kind of mobility requirements will users require? How much movement will there be throughout the coverage area?
• Transmission Rate- What kind of applications will you be using and what type of bandwidth will they require?
• Users- How many devices will be utilizing the wireless LAN? Also consider expansion.
• Devices- What types of wireless devices will you be using, laptops, mobile computers, etc.
• Security- What level of security is desired?

Implementing a WLAN can be a large undertaking and you want to be sure you get the design right.  It’s important to ensure sufficient capacity for users and applications, but you’ve also got to think about coverage and bandwidth. 

Some of the standard components of a wireless LAN solution include access points, PC cards, wireless switches or controllers and mobile devices.  I’ll take a closer look at each component in my next post later this afternoon, Wireless LAN Requirements.