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March 15, 2001
Wireless Networks Come of Age
Pulling cable may be history thanks to new developments in wireless networking. Here's how your school can tap in.
By Jean Shields
These days, the term wireless is becoming synonymous with the wireless connectivity available on cell phones and handheld devices. But there's another wireless-wireless networking. Schools have been exploring the possibilities of wireless networking for quite some time now because it solves some of the tricky problems inherent in school connectivity.
Wireless networking gives your school the benefits of traditional "wireline" LANs and WANs, including e-mail and Internet access, file and device sharing, as well as access to any library or administrative systems on the regular network. Added to this, wireless networks offer key benefits uniquely well suited to the school environment.
In older buildings where asbestos and other material hazards are an issue, wireless networking reduces the need to drill through walls to pull cable.
Wireless networks can be set up on an ad hoc basis in a variety of settings (multiuse rooms, auditoriums, portable classrooms), providing flexibility in instruction and bringing resources to students rather than students to resources.
In and out of the classroom, wireless connectivity makes it easier for students to send e-mail and mine the Web for resources on the fly-ideal for project-based learning.
For itinerant teachers who shuttle between classrooms or campuses-not to mention administrators on the move-wireless networking offers a way to stay connected from any point on the school compass.
Trends in computing point to increased mobility, with devices getting smaller and more powerful. Including wireless networking into your overall technology plan will position your district to take advantage of learning opportunities still to come.
How It Works
Just as a wired network uses various kinds of cabling to achieve connectivity, wireless networks operate on different wireless media, including microwaves, cellular systems, radio frequencies, and infrared light. Increasingly, radio frequency (RF) systems are becoming accepted as the way to go.
Your wireless network exists in conjunction with your wired Ethernet LAN. Desktop or portable computers fitted with network interface cards (also called adapter cards) interact with network data made available through a network access point (AP), which is plugged into the network hub or switch. Deploying several APs along a network creates interlocking cells for continuous network access, so mobile users can roam about without losing connectivity.
A typical access point supports between 10 and 15 users. There are also software solutions for turning computers outfitted with wireless adapter cards into APs.
And therein lies the good news of wireless networking. It is not an alternative to the networks schools have spent considerable time and expense building in the last several years. Rather, it extends network reach and offers enhanced flexibility.
What's more, wireless networking is no longer a high-end solution that only well-endowed schools can take advantage of. Equipment prices are dropping, and the total cost of ownership is not absurdly higher than that of a wired network.
Emerging Standards
The 802.11 specifications are the networking standard established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to ensure interoperability among RF wireless networking devices. Almost all wireless networking components-access points, network interface cards, and the like-are 802.11 compliant; if they aren't, that should raise a huge red flag.
Built into the 802.11 wireless networking standards is something called wireless encryption protocol, offering one layer of protection so that schools can send and receive sensitive information knowing it will remain confidential.
While not exactly a competing standard, Bluetooth represents the collaborative efforts of industry heavyweights to make wireless connectivity among myriad devices a reality. Spearheaded by Scandinavian telecommunications giants Nokia and Ericsson, along with Intel, IBM, and Microsoft (to name a few), Bluetooth's goal is to make all the devices you're likely to use-a cell phone, PDA, notebook or desktop computer-communicate wirelessly, creating a "personal area network."
This network will use the same radio frequency as the 802.11 standard, but with Bluetooth the emphasis is on connectivity within smaller ranges. The two standards may well come to complement one another as time goes on. For the moment, however, 802.11 already has products to market, whereas Bluetooth-enabled notebooks and cards are just coming out, and at prices that are higher than expected. The good news is that the IEEE is working on a Bluetooth standard (whimsically called 802.15.1), so development should pick up in this area.
Wireless, from Soup to Nuts
Several leading technology companies have developed end-to-end solutions to help schools get wireless networks up and running quickly-and many include valuable resources and training as part of the package.
NetSchools has pioneered wireless networking in schools, with a unique implementation solution that includes infrared (IR)-equipped notebook computers for students and teachers, an IR network, extensive training, and educational resources. Of special note: teachers now can tap into the company's Orion academic information system to draw on prescreened Web resources, assessment tools, homework help, and more. (770) 226-5000; www.netschools.com
EarthWalk Communications' NetWize solution uses RF technology and the company's eBuddy mininotebook computers. (888) 213-4900; www.earthwalk.com
Wireless Building Blocks
Thanks to the 802.11 standard, access points from one company should work just fine with network interface cards from another. Because of this, it's best to compare products based on the management capabilities, support, and other "value adds" companies develop to make their products unique. Here's a look at some of the players.
Apple Computer makes the AirPort, a base station that wirelessly lets iMacs, iBooks, PowerBooks, and Power Macs fitted with AirPort cards connect to network goodies. With a range of 150 feet, depending on the location, each AirPort supports up to 10 users. (800)800-2775; www.apple.com/education
Avaya Communication, formerly a division of Lucent Technologies, offers the Orinoco line of wireless networking hardware, including the WaveLAN ISA network interface card for desktop systems, and the WavePOINT-II access point. All adhere to the IEEE 802.11 standard, and include network configuration utilities, management tools, and security features. (800) 784-6104; www.avaya.com
BreezeCOM offers a full line of wireless networking products including access points, station adapters that convert desktop systems into access points, network interface cards, and more. (760) 517-3100; www.breezecom.com
No surprise that networking giant Cisco Systems offers a wealth of resources related to wireless networking at its Web site. You'll find white papers and case studies, as well as information on Cisco's Aironet line of wireless networking products, including access points and Network Interface Cards. (800) 553-6387; www.cisco.com
Compaq's wireless offering includes the WL100 and WL200 PC cards for notebook and desktop PCs, as well as the WL300 and WL400 access points. Noted for its advanced network management tools, Compaq's wireless lineup comes with the AP Manager to make adding a wireless LAN to existing networks as seamless as possible. (800) 282-6672; www.compaq.com
Dell has the TrueMobile line of wireless products, including Latitude notebook computers preconfigured for wireless networks, as well as access points and other components. (877) 449-3355; www.dell.com
Farallon has terrific wireless networking resources available at its Web site, and offers the SkyLINE 11MB Wireless PC Card. It's a type-II PCMCIA card that works in both Macintosh PowerBooks and Cardbus-equipped PC notebooks. Features include built-in encryption, troubleshooting utilities, and dynamic configuration capabilities, so you won't have to reboot each time you make changes to your system. (800) 859-7761; www.farallon.com
Chipmaker Intel has introduced the PRO/Wireless 2011 LAN Solution, which includes access points, PC cards, and advanced management capabilities. (800) 538-3373; www.intel.com
Proxim's line of wireless networking products includes the Harmony and RangeLAN series of access points, network interface cards, and antennae. The company's Web site also offers excellent resources for understanding and designing wireless networks. (800) 229-1630; www.proxim.com
Symbol Technologies makes the Spectrum24 series of wireless LAN products, including a variety of access points, PC Cards, and the BIAS-T connector, which lets network managers power access points remotely. The company offers an extensive array of education-specific white papers and background information at its Web site. (800) 772-6234; www.symbol.com
Waverider offers wireless networking products in all categories, including bridges, access points, and network interface cards. (416) 502-0379; www.waverider.com
Zoom Telephonics makes the ZoomAir line of 802.11-compliant wireless networking products, including PC cards with integrated antennas, access points, and access point software solutions. (800) 666-6191; www.zoom.com
Content without Wires
It's great having wireless devices, but isn't there more to life than checking your horoscope? Scholastic (800-724-6527; www.scholastic.com) is answering the challenge for substantive content by making select portions of its Web site available for Palm, Handspring, and Pocket PC users. Current content offerings include daily news items for kids, lesson plans, and a calendar of upcoming online activities available through the Web site. Another player to watch in the emerging world of wireless content is Mindsurf Networks (877-295-6168; www.mindsurf.net). A joint venture between Sylvan Learning and Aether Systems, Mindsurf is currently piloting a program that includes low-cost handheld devices, electronic books, and productivity tools, and allows teachers to send one-to-many or one-to-one messages to students. The company plans to roll out more programs following the conclusion of the pilot, so stay tuned.
Future Forward
In case you have doubts about the viability or importance of wireless technologies, consider these statistics:
- By 2003, according to analysts at IDC, the number of Americans with Web-enabled cell phones will quintuple-from eight million to 40 million. Now granted, these won't necessarily be the kids in your classrooms, but some will be (and many already are). Is this an obstacle to learning or a fresh opportunity?
- Beginning in October of this year, cell phones will ship with built-in location awareness sensors to facilitate the handling of 911 calls. The FCC has ruled that location awareness need not be blocked, which has advertisers salivating, eager to beam you a two-for-one Big Gulp coupon as you drive by the 7-Eleven. With more students carrying cell phones, and parents eager to check up on their kids' whereabouts, schools will need to be proactive in developing policies to manage this development as well as seize the curriculum opportunities.
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Jean Shields is an information architect and freelance writer based in New York City.
Wireless Connectivity Options
With the advent of the 802.11 standard, RF has become the de facto winner in the battle for wireless networking. There are other methods for connecting, however, which we've outlined below.
| Medium |
Infrared |
Spread Spectrum Radio Frequency |
Cellular |
| Benefits |
Low cost
Unlicensed
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Greater data throughput
No FCC site license required
Interference immunity
High market penetration
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Low infrastructure costs
Universal coverage
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| Disadvantages |
Fragile links-requires line of sight
Low market penetration means little development
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Public use spectrum means there's competition for bandwidth |
Slow transmission speeds
Low market penetration means little development
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Resources for Learning More
This list of Web sites covering wireless trends and technologies moves from user-friendly to highly technical.
Wireless Technology for Networking Laptop Computers in the Classroom Written by an educator for educators, this quick PowerPoint presentation gives you the basic skinny on the elements of wireless networking.
Develop Your Network This site features white papers and evaluation tools (on all kinds of networking, including wireless) from industry giant Cisco. Though vendor-driven, the information is helpful and clear.
Wireless Networking Q&A Also from a vendor, this highly readable Q&A is a great place to get grounded in wireless networking issues.
IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Networks C-SPAN addicts may enjoy the thrill of watching the standard as it evolves at the official Web site of 802.11.
Center for Wireless Information Network Studies Feed your inner geek with offerings from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute's hotbed of wireless LAN research. Not for the technically timid, but rich in resources.
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