As previously stated, often a mixed network is the preferred application. However, because of the fluidity of network technology, engaging in a "wired vs. wireless" exercise is necessary for every network design project. Knowing what capabilities are available and around the corner, coupled with your company's needs and policies, is paramount in arriving at the optimal network design.

Ultimately, I decided that a mixed wired and wireless design was best for the network I was designing. Since the corporate network was already utilizing centralized access point management technology, the costs of adding a half-dozen access points were minimal compared with the overall cost of the project. As this was a medical facility, there were security (such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and application bandwidth (such as medical imaging) concerns that necessitated wired connections. However, since the facility was expected to host visitors, wireless access for such, with appropriate security measures, pointed to a mixed solution.

If faced with the same customer parameters on a similar project scope six months from now, I would do the exact same analysis. Because available tools and costs inevitably change, I wouldn't be surprised if my final design differed.

Greg Schaffer is the director of network services at Middle Tennessee State University. He has over 15 years of experience in networking, primarily in higher education. He can be reached at newtnoise@comcast.net.