Telecommunications Infrastructure Funds
Wireless Network Standards
Wireless Network Standards
Title: Telecommunications Infrastructure
Fund Wireless Network Standards
Number: STD1001
Rev: none Date:
Author: Ray Woodard Date: 12/11/2002
Approved: Joe Bowen Date: 12/11/2002
Revised by: Approved: Date:
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Telecommunications Infrastructure Funds
Wireless Network Standards
Table of Contents
1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 3
2 Reference Documents ................................................................................................. 3
3 Short Range RF LAN.................................................................................................. 3
3.1 Wireless LAN ..................................................................................................... 3
3.2 Wireless Bridges ................................................................................................. 3
3.3 FCC Certification................................................................................................ 3
3.4 Site Surveys ........................................................................................................ 4
3.5 Security ............................................................................................................... 4
3.5.1 WEP ................................................................................................................. 4
3.5.2 802.1x ............................................................................................................... 4
3.5.3 VPN.................................................................................................................. 4
3.5.4 Specific Security Regulations..................................................................... 5
3.6 WECA Certification............................................................................................ 5
4 Other Wireless Services.............................................................................................. 5
4.1 Data Links........................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Performance Specifications ................................................................................ 6
4.3 Licensing............................................................................................................. 6
4.3.1 Transmitters ................................................................................................ 6
4.3.2 Antennas and Supporting Structures........................................................... 6
4.3.3 Professional Assistance............................................................................... 6
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Wireless Network Standards
1 Introduction
Radio frequency communications can fill many needs in data networking. This document
promulgates minimum standards and recommendations for wireless data communications
equipment and systems funded by TIF.
2 Reference Documents
The following documents form a part of this standard to the extent specified herein.
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers - IEEE 802.11
Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations Part 15
Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations Part 101
Federal Aviation Administration Rules and Regulations Part 17
45 CFR Parts 160 and 164, Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health
Information; Final Rule
34 CFR Part 99, Family Educational Rights and Privacy
3 Short Range RF LAN
3.1 Wireless LAN
Wireless access points and wireless station cards for devices on a local area network shall
operate in either the 2.4 GHz band (Industrial, Scientific, Medical - ISM Band) or the 5.2
GHz band (Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure - UNII Band) and meet the
requirements of IEEE 802.11b or IEEE 802.11a respectively.
3.2 Wireless Bridges
Wireless bridges connecting LAN s or LAN segments shall generally meet the
requirements of one or more of the IEEE 802.11 standards for bridging networks or
providing user access over short distances. Bridges operating in the 2.4 GHz band can
provide reliable service over distances up to two miles with high gain antennas. Grantees
must, however, consider RF link design and environmental factors in the deployment of a
wireless bridge.
3.3 FCC Certification
Wireless devices for use on LAN s shall be certified by the Federal Communications
Commission and be labeled with the appropriate certification labeled as specified in FCC.
Rules Part 15.
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Wireless Network Standards
3.4 Site Surveys
A site survey must be performed at all installation sites prior to final system design and
purchase of equipment. As a minimum the survey must include the following steps:
Determine optimum locations for access points.
Identify any interference from RF signals present in the environment.
Identify possible security risks with access points located near outside walls of
buildings.
The grantee should also consider any potential interference from equipment planned for
future installation.
When a project involves both 802.11 devices and 802.15 Wireless Personal Area
Network devices, the grantee should use active 802.15 devices at anticipated locations
during the survey to evaluate potential interference with 802.11 devices.
3.5 Security
Planners should understand that the 802.11 standard provides very weak security for
wireless networks.
3.5.1 WEP
Wireless Equivalent Privacy, or WEP, is the basic security mechanism included in
802.11. The factory default settings for many commercially available products do not
enable WEP. Grantees are strongly advised to enable WEP on all 802.11 wireless
installations.
3.5.2 802.1x
The IEEE 802.1x Working Group is currently developing the 802.1x standard that will
improve security. Several manufacturers have introduced products that implement the
features of 802.1x. These features provided moderate security, but are still easily
breached by sophisticated methods. Grantees are cautioned to be aware of the security
risks inherent in the implementation of a wireless 802.11 network, even with the addition
of 802.1x protocol.
3.5.3 VPN
The addition of Virtual Private Network, or VPN, protocol in conjunction with the
features of 802.1x provides, at present, the best security solution for 802.11 wireless
networks. Grantees are advised to consider the use of hardware or software VPN
solutions in deploying a wireless network.
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Wireless Network Standards
3.5.4 Specific Security Regulations
Security of information at health care and educational institutions is regulated by federal
statutes and rules.
Health care facilities must abide by the provisions of 45 CFR Parts 160 and 164,
Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information; Final Rule. This
rule is under the auspices of the Office of Health and Human Services as authorized by
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. All health care providers must
ensure compliance with the latest The regulations apply to all organizations having
access to an individual person s health information. This includes insurers, transaction
processors, and even schools and universities.
Public education institutions are bound by the rules of 34 CFR Part 99, which specify
procedures for releasing education records to specific parties, and also provides for
safeguarding against the release of information to unauthorized parties. Wireless
networks at schools and universities must be adequately secured to ensure compliance
with the rules written to enforce the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act.
3.6 WECA Certification
All 802.11 wireless devices except those that use the 802.1x protocol shall be certified for
interoperability by the WECA.
Since the 802.1x standard is not yet released, WECA does not test for interoperability
using this protocol. Devices that use the 802.1x protocol do not require WECA
certification.
Grantees are advised that some manufacturers may use proprietary designs to emulate or
enhance 802.1x features and that interoperability with other brands may be impossible.
4 Other Wireless Services
Internet access or bridging LAN s over long distances can be accomplished with a variety
of RF technologies in several portions of the RF spectrum some of which require licenses
for transmitters.
When the needs of a network design exceed the capabilities of radio links in the 2.4Ghz
band or the 5.2Ghz band, grantees may consider radio links in other bands allocated for
fixed microwave service.
Other bands authorized for use in the Fixed Microwave service can be used for Multi-
channel Multi-point Distribution Service, Local Multi-point Distribution Service, or
Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service. Stations may also be
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Wireless Network Standards
deployed for geosynchronous satellite up/down links. Low Earth Orbit Satellite systems
are not eligible at this time.
4.1 Data Links
TIF funds may be used to build microwave radio stations for the purpose of establishing
links between private data networks and/or linking private networks to the internet.
4.2 Performance Specifications
Part 101 of the FCC Rules and Regulations specifies operational parameters for licensed
transmitters. Microwave stations purchased with TIF funds shall meet all requirements of
FCC Part 101.
4.3 Licensing
4.3.1 Transmitters
Transmitters in the fixed microwave service are licensed by the Federal Communications
Commission and are authorized exclusive use of a frequency or channel. This ensures
operation of the link without interference from other transmitters. License applications
must include the technical details of path design, radiation pattern, and frequency
coordination with other users of the band in the surrounding area.
4.3.2 Antennas and Supporting Structures.
Any of the wireless options discussed in this document may use outdoor antennas on
elevated supporting structures. Depending upon your location, antenna supporting
structures may be subject to marking and lighting requirements under FCC Rules Part
101. You may also be required to submit construction and modification notices to the
Federal Aviation Administration under FAA Rules Part 17.
4.3.3 Professional Assistance
The technical details of designing and building a microwave radio system require
specialized knowledge, training, and experience. Grantees should consider retaining the
services of qualified personnel for system design and FCC license applications.
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