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What does the ideal network solution look like in future? Wire or wireless? Is this the central question in the present very controversial discussions on Wireless LAN according to IEEE802.11?

One thing is for certain: The "price for freedom" companies presently (still) have to pay is very high - not only with regard to investment costs. A recent study of Ernst & Young, a renowned consultancy organization, showed serious security gaps in the existing concepts of wireless networks within German companies and pointed out the high security costs involved. Thus the alarming heading of the study: "Wireless LAN - A paradise for hackers?".

The current security gaps in wireless data processing are considerably high. Yet it can be assumed - without going into details of the study - that these weak points can be remedied in the medium term.

Therefore, with regard to a long-term investment perspective the question of which other user related aspects have to be considered in future in a sensible network concept seems to be more important. Also in this respect the study gives some interesting indications. According to that there is no direct business need for companies to use WLAN. Presently the decisive factor rather is the desire for topping the existing technical potential and to increase mobility.

Certainly, WLAN allows for ambitious installations as is shown to us by the advertising industry in a colourful way. Particularly communication via hotspots as in public buildings like airports or railway stations is inconceivable without WLAN. But the latter is no LAN as a public network is used.

However, nowadays - and also in future - the typical office environment where usually a LAN is being operated, is different. Here a cable based network connection doesn't really mean a spatial limitation for the user, and also the installation of a cabling system is a problem which can easily be solved.

Even with regard to costs WLAN doesn't offer any advantages in the medium term: As already known, 90% of LAN costs are created by active systems, which wireless data processing also depends on. These costs will even increase due to the additional electronic system which is essential for the wireless connection.

This does especially apply for bigger networks - an aspect also Ernst & Young point out. According to their study, cost factors - aside from the number of users - also include the data volume and the infrastructure, e.g. the material of the walls and its influence on air waves. They come to the conclusion that "companies can only expect cost savings when special conditions are fulfilled".

In the classic LAN and the industrial environment in particular, cables offer further advantages aside from the present lead with regard to security. These comprise:

Considerably higher reliability at lowest possible maintenance costs. Substantially larger bandwidth and channel capacity. The ability to also transfer other services than Ethernet. 100% integrity without expensive security solutions.

Our prediction: Disregarding the short phase of enthusiasm in exploring new technologies, for the bulk of applications there will rather be a sensible co-existence of both solutions in the long run: the use of WLAN where mobility is required, e.g. in conference rooms or with regard to mobile industrial processes, and cable LAN for the wide range of previous applications - i.e. where security, confidentiality, availability and costs will also in future be the decisive factors.

For further information please contact
Carsten Fehr, Tel. +49-221-677-3926,
E-mail: carsten.fehr@draka.com