"I'm frequently asked about beginner-level books on wireless technology. Well, if you're new to wireless, this is the book to have on your reference desk. Packed with useful information, Wireless Networks First-Step will get you up to speed on the latest and greatest wireless terms and technologies. Each chapter contains easy-to-understand explanations of various aspects of wireless technology, from the difference between TKIP and WPA to how to handle rogue access points. A nice feature is that each chapter has a quiz that lets you test your knowledge. This is a must read for those new to the field."
– Mathias Thurman
Computerworld, Security Bookshelf
Wireless Networks First-Step
Reviewer Name: Steve Owen Scheiderer, Network Administrator
Reviewer Certifications: MCSE NT 4.0, CCNA
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Even though this book is smaller than other First-Step books I've reviewed, it is "big" in the insights it provides the reader. As the saying goes: "Dynamite comes in small packages." This book by Jim Geier will assist the reader in understanding the underlying technology, compatibility and security issues associated with wireless networks.
While it may be tempting to view wireless networks as a simple solution to pulling cable, Geier takes the reader through the somewhat complex considerations for a successful wireless implementation. Whether wireless PANs, LANs, MANs or WANs (chapters four through seven) are needed for a productive business each category has unique variables to consider and this book treats each in turn. An overarching theme in most chapters is security and the book ends with a strong chapter on this crucial subject. (Couple this with Network Security First-Step by Tom Thomas and one has an even bigger charge of dynamite.)
The intermediate or advanced reader may find the "Wireless Network Applications" and "Benefits" sections of chapter one to be too long, detailed and somewhat redundant. What would have been helpful to the beginning reader is more emphasis on network security up front. Chapter two not only explains "How Wireless Works," but also gives good practical advice on various levels – especially compatibility issues. (See ISA, p. 35, Mini-PCI, p. 36, 10Base-T, p. 47, and Optical Fiber, p. 48 to mention a few examples.)
After the quick-read of chapter one, the reader will have to slow down the pace to absorb technical details of chapters two and three. I found myself sketching out some of the discussion to better visualize how everything fits together. As with most technical books the "alphabet soup" of terms can get a bit overwhelming. A couple of terms I could not find definitions for in the text, glossary or index. (It would have been nice to know where a strange term like "bluetooth" comes from as this information would make one seem really smart at parties.)
Because Geier's years of experience and practical suggestions shine throughout the book, I would definitely read other titles by this author and his team of technical editors. I give Wireless Networks First-Step a 4.5 rating on a scale of 1 to 5. An online errata page would greatly assist the reader in filling in some of gaps, typos, etc. missed by the author and editors.