Wireless becomes key integrated component of enterprise systems

Wireless networks have traditionally been viewed and managed as an ‘add-on’ to the corporate network, but new security threats demand that they now be integrated into the heart of the enterprise, says Fortinet. The traditional approach to enterprise wireless was to treat it as an independent system and little more than an access point to enterprise systems, secured by user authentication. But times have changed, says Paul Williams, Country Manager – Southern Africa at Fortinet. “The traditional approach meant users had to log on again every time they changed location.  Traditional solutions required multiple SSIDs and came with challenges such as latency, chatter and authentication and management complexity,” he says. “Now, security is of paramount importance, but at the same time, users are increasingly mobile.