Managing data centers via wireless link

"If you are concerned about interference, and we think anyone running a large WLAN should be, there are tools such as Cognio Spectrum Expert 3.1that are very cost effective, and will let you look at all kinds of interference -- and not just from other wireless LANs," says Mathias, who also suggested tools from Berkeley Varitronics Systems Inc. Both tools allow you to measure wireless speed, see competing 802.11b and 802.11g signals and monitor signal strength.

King agrees that interference is a thorny issue and one that could easily make Wi-Fi access for data center admins more of a hindrance than a help. Rather than going mobile in the building, admins working on mission-critical systems should probably rely on a wired connection, telnet or just use the console in the data center room itself, he suggests.

John Brandon worked in IT management for 10 years before starting a full-time writing career. He lives in Fergus Falls, Minn., and can be reached at jbrandonbb@gmail.com.