The following points need to be kept in mind when planning for the implementation of wireless.

Range:
The range of the wireless network is an important consideration when using a wireless network. Access point and station adapters have a range of 3280 ft in open space and 200 ft-650 ft indoors. PCMCIA adapters have an open space range of 2200 ft and an indoor range of 300 ft. These ranges are affected by interferences such as microwaves and other radio interferences, as well as interference for structures such as walls and doors.

Throughput:
The amount of data transferable using wireless devices is important. The amount will not be as great as a standard wired LAN, but will be greater than using a modem or other such devices. The access point, PCMCIA adapter, and station adapter have a data rate of 11mb. Most networks do not require more throughputs than provided by the devices.

Scalability:
Wireless networks can be designed to be extremely simple or quite complex. They can support large numbers of nodes and/or large physical areas by adding access points to boost or extend coverage.

Simplicity of installation and use:
Users need very little new information to take advantage of wireless LANs. Because the wireless LAN is transparent to a user's network operating system, applications work the same as they do on wired LANs.

Security:
Because wireless technology has roots in military applications, security has long been a design criterion for wireless devices. Security provisions are typically built into wireless LANs, making them more secure than most wired LANs. It is extremely difficult for unintended receivers (eavesdroppers) to listen in on wireless LAN traffic. Complex encryption techniques make it impossible for all but the most sophisticated to gain unauthorized access to network traffic.

Safety:
The output power of wireless LAN systems is very low, much less than that of a hand-held cellular phone. Since radio waves fade rapidly over distance, very little exposure to RF energy is provided to those in the area of a wireless LAN system. Wireless LANs must meet stringent government and industry regulations for safety. No adverse health affects have ever been attributed to wireless LANs.