Wireless LAN Pattern

Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a LAN communication technology in which radio, microwave or infrared links replace the physical media (i.e., wires and cables). The IEEE 802.11x series of standards address WLAN standards. Four of the 802.11x standards address the physical layer, and, currently only two of them prevail in today’s market: 802.11b (WiFi) and 802.11g, offering up to 11Mbps and 54Mbps, respectively.

• WLANs are primarily used in conference rooms and other common areas to provide access to network resources without the need to be at a specific desk
• WLANs are also used in temporary locations to connect users to the network
• As wireless devices become more prevalent, this pattern will become ubiquitous; however, will not displace wired LAN patterns
• Vendor-specific extensions should be avoided to ease interoperability and management, as well as to prevent additional security problems

The diagram shows how a wireless workstation or device connects to a wireless Access Point (AP). The wireless APs are connected to a switch or router, which may connect to an IC LAN or directly to NIHnet. NIHnet is also connected to the Internet through a wireless DMZ.

• Supports multiple vendor client cards and access points
• The WLAN solution is scalable, can be centrally managed, meets security requirements, and adheres to NIH wireless policy
• Users must load and initiate VPN client software in order to establish connectivity securely
• As shown in the logical design patterns, this approach addresses different classes of users

• Requires using a proprietary VPN to address security
• Addresses WiFi access through NIC cards; does not address integrated wireless devices such as Blackberries or RFID readers
• Rapidly evolving technology and standards will require NIH to revisit and update this pattern frequently so that NIH can obtain the newest security, capacity and functionality capabilities