Networking can be a challenge. It can encompass varying needs, such as sharing existing ADSL lines, providing fast, scalable networking, and staying connected to the Internet when you’re on the road. You suspect that a wireless network may be the ideal solution, but you’re not exactly sure what equipment you need, how to install and configure it, or how to maximise its fullest potential. Today, there are many wireless devices that remove the hassle of getting connected to the Internet and keep you productive while you’re away from the office. Help in setting up a wireless networking solution is readily available via the Apple Solution Experts programme, a countrywide team of seasoned consultants who can bring a high level of technical knowledge and expertise in the latest wireless trends and terminology including WiFi, Bluetooth, iSync and Apple’s Bonjour technology.
Many Apple Solution Experts understand wireless networking, and they work as a team with Apple to help you install, configure and maintain a wireless network that can pay for itself in reduced costs, increased productivity, and other tangible benefits. A large number of members are certified in key technology areas, providing an even greater set of enhanced skills. They know how to leverage AirPort Extreme — Apple’s simple yet stunningly fast wireless networking solution. The AirPort Extreme Base Station offers not only built-in networking, but also wireless printing. Each AirPort Extreme Base Station can support any mix of up to 50 Mac or PC users simultaneously, allowing an entire department of users to share a single printer, read email, surf the Web, chat, and be productive at other online tasks. Apple’s Airport Express solution is the first device to pack wireless networking, audio, printing, and bridging capabilities into a single, affordable unit. You can take Airport Express on the go. It’s light and compact and the perfect travel companion.
Step 1: Determine your needs, requirements and budget
Your first step toward a wireless networking solution is establishing your goals and requirements. You’ll need to consider factors such as range and network optimisation, capacity, security and administration. Members of the Apple Solution Experts programme can help you better understand your needs and optimise your wireless network, ensuring that you have ample capacity and coverage and that you safeguard yourself from unauthorised Internet users accessing your private network. You can expand your coverage with the addition of AirPort Express. It acts as a wireless bridge to extended the range of your primary AirPort Extreme base station.
If you are a mobile professional, you may also want to investigate wireless networking using Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth technology enables wireless communication between desktop and notebook computers, handhelds, personal digital assistants, mobile phones, camera phones, printers, digital cameras, headsets, keyboards and a computer mouse within a 30-foot (10-metre) radius. With Bluetooth you can wirelessly perform small file transfers and synchronise contacts and schedules using iSync. You can also send your business card or calendar events directly to a colleague’s handheld. When you are in need of an Internet connection, you can use your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone as a modem to connect from just about anywhere. Though all of this may sound confusing and time intensive, it really doesn’t have to be with the help of a member from the Apple Solution Experts programme.
And, in addition to sizing up your technical needs, determine how much you have to spend. Apple Solution Experts members can develop a solution that is tailored to meet your budget, while also providing long-term maintenance plans to meet your goals.
Step 2: Determine the elements of your solution
Next, you’ll need to determine what type and how much equipment you need, including AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express Base Stations, and AirPort Extreme Cards. You may also need a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. Bluetooth-enabled computers are available across Apple’s entire CPU product line — including iMac, Mac mini, MacBook Pro, MacBook and Power Mac G5 — as a standard or optional feature.
There are many options in terms of where to purchase your equipment. Putting together a successful solution can be a bit overwhelming. From recommending an appropriate solution, to setting up and configuring both hardware and software, members of the Apple Solution Experts programme have the expertise and experience needed to ensure that you get an optimal solution.
Step 3: Set up your wireless network
Members can help you position your AirPort Express and AirPort Extreme Base Stations for optimal coverage, install the necessary cards, and configure your Mac for Internet access, letting you connect to other Macintosh computers at home or in your office. AirPort Extreme supports Bonjour, a networking technology standard that lets you create instant networks by recognising and wirelessly linking computers and digital devices to each other without any configuration. After your initial set up, members can test your new network to ensure proper coverage and capacity and provide ongoing troubleshooting services. They can also provide training on how to administer your new network using the AirPort Admin Utility. Or, using AirPort Express with AirTunes, you can go beyond your typical business needs and enjoy your iTunes music library in virtually any room of your house or office, wirelessly.
Step 4: Obtain ongoing support and maintenance
Once you have wireless connectivity, you’ll want to maximise your investment. Members of the Apple Solution Experts programme can provide training and any follow-up service you may need. And, when your business starts outgrowing your network, they can help you add new capacity by upgrading and reconfiguring your equipment. They can act as your virtual IT staff, bringing a high level of technical expertise to your company, without the expense of a full-time IT staff.
