Why do I need Medusa WiFi?

• Medusa WiFi provides an easy-to-use interface with inherent security and a simple method of separating users into different wireless groups.
• These FAQs will help you assess if your current system is adequate or if you need the features of Medusa WiFi.

Why is Medusa WiFi easy to use?

• Without Medusa WiFi you would need to program each Access Point separately and maintain a paper record of your settings. Then you would need to make corresponding changes to the switches, firewalls and routers to which you connect. Sometimes these devices don’t even have web screens.
• Medusa gives you a simple to user interface to define everything – from user groups to authentication methods. It even gives you diagnostics on who is using the system.

Why does Medusa WiFi create revenues?

• With Medusa WiFi you can define multiple groups of users. Some of these user groups can be chargeable if additional services are given.

What is an IPhone Group?

• Many customers now have IPhones or Blackberries with WiFi access. When the customer walks into a known WiFi zone, the device will change from 3G to the WiFi service automatically. Users often set up their devices to download music, podcasts, email and other mobile services when on the WiFi connection. Typically this is charged at £$€ 10/month per user and is a useful source of additional revenue.

Can Medusa WiFi handle Voice Clients on Mobile Phones and PDAs?

• Yes. A Voice Client is an application that allows a mobile device to make and receive calls over data connections, rather than mobile networks. Typical voice clients include Avaya One-X, Cisco, Mitel, Vonage, Skype and Generic SIP. You can charge for this facility as well, and a different WiFi Group can be set up for this feature.

Can a customer have their own WiFi group?

• Yes – this will allow them to work both wired and wirelessly as one. But there are resource calculations that should be made. Medusa WiFi can make these hidden for additional security.

Can I provide different services in multiple areas of my building?

• Yes – each Medusa Access Point is individually configurable.

What is an Admin group?

• In locations where your staff is moving around, or there are devices for display, cameras, or access, then a secret admin WiFi group can be set up.

Is WiFi Security a problem?

• Increasingly, it is. If your centre is in a tower, on the street level or has a parking lot, then your wireless users must be free from snooping./li>
• Even within your centre there will be many users who depend on you to secure their wireless use.

What security problems does Medusa WiFi solve?

• Medusa makes it easy to deploy leading standards of Wireless authentication and encryption. It can also handle Voice Clients on Mobile, which provides the option to enforce isolation, a much neglected security provision. These are further explained below:

Explain Authentication and Encryption?

• When a device connects to the wireless system, a process known as Authentication takes place to ensure the user is known and welcome. The latest standards (e.g. WPA2) for authentication are more rigorous than earlier ones (e.g. WEP), and Medusa gives the administrator an easy way to chose and set the values for this wireless security.
• Moreover, because radio waves can be accessed anywhere in range of the system, WiFi traffic must be encrypted against interception. This is handled automatically. It is reported that old style protocols such as WEP are almost useless, as modern hacking tools can crack the encryption in a few seconds.

Is my Authentication Method Fixed?

• No you can change it easily from the screen and update the Access Points.
• Even better, you can use different authentication keys (passphrases) and protocols or methods for each group of users you define via Medusa.

What is a PassPhrase?

• It is a password or phrase that each Access Point group requires before user is allowed on the wireless. This deters hackers. Unusually, Medusa allows you to change the passphrase – normally this is quite complicated to do.

What is Isolation?

• Isolation is a feature that you specify when you know that users should NOT be able to communicate with each other.
• Medusa WiFi gives you a checkbox to specify this for each user group on the system.
• On the other hand, cheap wireless access points and routers expect you to form a single network of wireless users. They will ensure that all wireless users on an access point communicate with each other. That may be desirable, in the case of a meeting or training session, but is highly undesirable for hotdesk users, “virtual office” visitors, and between different companies on the wireless system.

Can I use my own Access Points?

• No – we support just two types currently and they are set up specially to work with Medusa.

Can I see who is using an Access Point?

• Yes, there is a utility on Medusa to reveal this, and also their signal strength.

Do I need PoE injectors or will my VLAN Switch work?

• PoE is Power over Ethernet and means that the Access Point can be connected by one cable only. Most PoE switches have sufficient power as standard, but if you don’t have these then there is a low cost PoE injector available.

What Range has the Medusa Access Point?

• There is no definitive answer because building materials have a big effect. Generally 10,000 sq ft (1000 sq m) is a reasonable range in a building with stud walls.

What Affects the Range of an Access Point?

• Concrete, brick and metal reduce the range of WiFi APs. Look out for structural walls, elevator shafts, metal frame shadows, filing cabinets, metal screens and walls.
• If in doubt – ask a Medusa partner for advice.

How many Users can an Access Point handle?/h4>

• You should allow for 20-30 simultaneous users. This might cover 100 potential users or more, as most people won’t use wireless in a business center. Hotels, lounges and other locations have a different calculation.

Is there an External Version?

• There is, but most locations find coverage through windows or roof space works fine for Patios, picnic areas and parking lots.

I have a Medusa Server in the UK or Rest of Europe?

• You just need to add Medusa Access Points.

I have a Medusa Server in North America or Rest or World?

• The Medusa Access Points are available and your supplier will apply the appropriate national codes. A license fee may be required.

I have a Medusa Solo or Mini?

• This is fine, but you should get a specific quotation.

I just want WiFi for my locations but I don’t have a Medusa?

• The best option is to buy or rent Medusa Solo plus the Access Points – this will also give you the Medusa Hotdesk/Hotspot facility as well.

Are custom versions available? I want to use Medusa WiFi for voice and admin, broadcast, etc, only?

• Yes

I have a Medusa Classic system?

• You should take advantage of the upgrade offer to Medusa Server. If you prefer not to upgrade then use a Medusa Solo.