Managing data centers via wireless link

King agrees. "Strong encryption and user key management should address most security concerns, and since those processes are common in many data centers, extending them to a wireless management network shouldn't be too difficult," he says. "Depending on the location of the data center, network monitoring for possible intrusions is another option."

Interference issues

With strong encryption, user keys and VPN/802.1x, wireless becomes more viable for admins. But interference is a nagging problem. If the access point is situated near the data center, metal cabinets can cause serious bottlenecks and failures.

King suggests working with experienced wireless networking consultants to configure the networks, weed out interference problems and test throughput.

Mathias explains that interference is an increasing problem, although in the enterprise there is usually a better network design so that one WLAN is not causing problems for another. This is unlike home environments, where channel congestion is common. Also, when interference does occur, it is usually a blip that causes slight delays, says Mathias. In a home environment, these delays are more noticeable because users see stuttering in a video stream, or hear break-ups during a VoIP phone call.