Wireless Networks & WiFi Connections

Although wireless networks can be convenient, there are things to be aware when considering use of a wireless connection to Procare.

Wireless Connections and Procare

Procare requires a stable, uninterrupted connection between the “client” computers running Procare and the main computer (or server) that typically runs the Procare Licensing Service and stores your data. The best conduit for this connection is a hard wired Ethernet cable from each client computer to your router. Wireless networks, by their nature, provide inherently unstable connections. Interruptions in the wireless connection may cause symptoms such as random freeze ups or lock ups.

Web Browsing with Wireless

Browsing the internet typically works fine with wireless since it’s only necessary to have a connection at the moment you click a link. Perhaps you’ve noticed you sometimes need to click a link more than once before the new page appears. While that temporary loss of connectivity doesn’t matter much for casual web browsing it is an issue for applications like Procare that depend on a stable connection.

3 Keys to Wireless

There are three primary items that affect the success or failure of connecting in a wireless manner:

a. Type of Wireless: G versus N
Although wireless G routers are less expensive they are highly prone to “dropped packets”, that is, temporary connection problems. The wireless G signal also has less coverage and is usually intended for light duty home use. Wireless N is better all around and less prone to issues, but does not guarantee success. To take advantage of wireless N the computers connecting to your router (not just the router itself) must have wireless N adapters.

b. Interference: 2.4 GHz versus 5 GHz
Most wireless routers operate on a frequency of 2.4 GHz. This is a common frequency that other devices use which may cause interference and problems with your connection. Such devices are common in child care facilities and include cordless phones, microwave ovens, blue tooth devices, and cell phones enabled as wireless “hot spots”. Some routers have what is known as “dual band” which means they operate on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 5 GHz frequency is much less likely to have interference, but the computers connecting to your router must have 5 GHz capable adapters to take advantage of the higher frequency.

c. Signal Strength
In all cases signal strength is an important factor. You are much more likely to be successful when the computer connecting to your wireless router receives a strong signal (like 4 bars out of 5) than when it has a low signal (1 or 2 bars). The farther you are away from the router (and anything that blocks the path, such as walls, trees, etc.) will diminish your signal strength.

Netbooks and Laptops

Although the success of using either a netbook or laptop is ultimately dependent on your wireless connection, a netbook is typically intended for very light duty computing like browsing the web, checking your email, etc. Netbooks tend to have low grade processors, minimal RAM and small hard drives. Screen resolution is also important. Procare requires a resolution of at least 800 pixels wide x 600 pixels high. Some netbooks may limit the height to less than 600 pixels. You can run the Procare Check In screen with just 576 pixels in height, but not the main part of Procare. In summary, if you have at least 1 Gig of RAM (and your screen resolution is okay) a netbook may work fine as a “Client” machine for Procare, however, you would likely experience better results with a true laptop computer that has a better processor and more RAM.