Enterprises across the globe are discovering the benefits of wireless networks, but many have been reluctant to embrace the technology due to security concerns. CSC has launched a fully managed wireless LAN service that provides the same level of security as a wired network and delivers business benefits in a wide range of environments.

CSC’s WLAN service combines a standards-based methodology and architecture with exceptional levels of security. The service is available in four different service options to suit specific business environments and provides the standardization and flexibility that modern networks demand.

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Network access, anywhere

"Wireless LANs have been around in enterprises for many years, but they’ve mainly been niche, employee-initiated deployments that have failed to follow standards," says Bruce Hampton, global product manager for CSC’s Managed Network Services LAN Services. "This has led to concerns over security and reliability, and at the same time, operating costs have increased, along with the network’s complexity and level of integration."

The use of wireless LANs in the enterprise has increased significantly as organizations find them able to deliver significant business benefits, including increased employee productivity and lower operational costs. Hampton says, "Wireless LANs offer flexibility, save time, increase productivity, and enhance teamwork across an enterprise. CSC’s many years of experience along with the emergence of global standards and improved security practices make this a good time to introduce a comprehensive WLAN solution."

CSC’s Wireless LAN service is designed for enterprises that are looking to deploy a consistent, standardized solution that offers a wide array of security options. "The service provides an optimal solution for enterprises looking to improve business effectiveness through continual network connectivity from portable devices," Hampton says. "This can include the utilization of existing applications on portable notebooks, or specific tools on PDA-type devices. As an example, for a company that is establishing new facilities, our WLAN service provides much more network access flexibility than fixed cabling."

Focus on security

With the increasing popularity of emerging technologies such as Wi-Fi adding to the complexities of managing a network, securing a wireless LAN is more difficult than ever. CSC’s WLAN product suite is based on global standards and well-proven best practices and technologies. VPN, IPSec and 802.11i are among the security models fully supported, providing enterprises with the consistency required now and the flexibility to adapt to future wireless applications.

Hampton says the offering places a heavy emphasis on network security. "CSC’s Wireless LAN embraces the 802.11i security model and focuses on providing the appropriate authentication functions to limit access to the wireless network to authorized users." Hampton says a key feature of the service is that it extends the network security management domain to include the access points and uses a security policy management approach that takes the whole organization into consideration.

CSC’s WLAN customers have a choice of security configurations, (either 802.11i-based or VPN-based), with advanced intrusion detection as an option. Security features include strong end-user authentication and robust encryption. Security is further enhanced by the fact that the service is vendor independent. The service is designed to be fully integrated with an organization’s security policy.

The four basic deployment options of CSC’s WLAN suite of services include a basic data WLAN, an advanced services WLAN, a Wireless Private HotSpot option, as well as a radio mesh WLAN, which uses the mesh networking concept where each node need only transmit as far as the next node. "It is feasible that different locations may use different deployments," Hampton says. "For example, an industrial site may benefit from the use of a mesh configuration, while the main offices could deploy the advanced service with small depots relying on a basic or private hotspot deployment."

More productive meetings

Hampton says the service is already producing significant business benefits for a number of CSC customers. Among the results delivered are improved manageability and standardization, better flexibility, higher network performance and reduced operating costs. "The service is providing our clients with standard, secure mobility and benefits such as consistent log-on to the network and consistent service levels throughout the network," he says.

CSC is using WLAN, network technology and network security skills within its own organization as part of a new network at CSC’s Australian headquarters. The WLAN was designed to improve productivity at project meetings and serve as a demonstration facility. For example, employees who bring their laptops to meetings can immediately respond to e-mail even though they are away from their desks. In addition, because meeting participants are able to access documents on their laptops, the need for paper printouts has been greatly reduced. Emily Richmond-Jones, CIO of CSC Australia, says, "The solution has balanced security and ease-of-use requirements in our wireless networks and I am comfortable that our resources are well secured while being accessed over wireless connections."

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