Getting to the right WLAN platform requires diligence and persistence. From a platform-selection and deployment standpoint, the trust-but-verify method is a good way to avoid pitfalls. As with any IT decision, no CIO should take vendor claims at face value. We were surprised to see the vast difference in capabilities among WLAN solutions and disappointed when vendor and integrator promises went unfulfilled. Of course, understanding application requirements and usage patterns is critical for proper WLAN design and maintenance. In selecting the right product, you need to answer basic questions: How much bandwidth is required? Where will users likely require wireless access? What types of wireless clients will be used? Is the network safe?
By its nature, wireless is a shared medium, but you must decide who will share it. Finally, expect the unexpected, and implement a WLAN infrastructure that can adapt to changes. If you lose an AP, make certain others will compensate for the lost coverage. With the right networking infrastructure, mobility can be your best friend. In some instances, it can even save a life.
Kent Hargrave is CIO at Overlake Hospital Medical Center.
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