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May 15, 2003
Is Wireless Worth It? (cont'd)
The School Plant: When Is Wireless a Good Fit?
The following points outline both the broader and more detailed considerations of going wireless.
Broader Considerations
- The way a school is constructed could make laying wires difficult or prohibitively costly. Schools built with concrete walls and low ceilings may find that the wireless track is a better option.
- Schools with movable walls and easy ceiling access better accommodate an integrated approach.
- Schools that employ a fair amount of portable classrooms may determine that having wireless networking capability running off the main building, then installing a wireless bridging mechanism to "talk to" other sites, is a more appealing solution than dropping a wire to each outlying classroom.
- The type of applications likely to run over the network will also be a factor in the decision. Very rich, multimedia-based applications, for example, may need the larger pipeline that a standard plug-in Ethernet environment affords.
- In an all-wireless approach, schools must realize that the user's distance from an access point will affect data throughput and bandwidth.
A Closer Look
- Look at the physical aspects of the project. What are the considerations in terms of cooling, electrical power, and wire routing?
- Look at the existing building. What construction materials were used? What is the best way to cut through walls or route around obstructions?
- In terms of upgrading the infrastructure, give close consideration to all existing conditions. What can be reused? What can be modified? What needs to be replaced? What needs to be added? Where can you economize so you're not spending money injudiciously?
- Look at the curriculum and the physical teaching and learning spaces to determine the best technology solution on a case-by-case basis. Is wireless the most appropriate solution in this wing? What kind of equipment is the best with this type of curriculum and this kind of room?
- Stay true to your educational vision and state curriculum standards, but know which direction the world is moving in. Ask: How might teachers and students want to look at data differently? How important is portability of data? What about the growing role of teamwork and collaboration? What expectations do our students have, and how can we make sure they aren't diametrically opposed to how our school runs? Are we addressing the expectations of the people who will ultimately hire these students after they graduate?
To learn more about the Intel study, go to
www.intel.com/modelschool/whitepapers/miami_roadmap03.pdf
A Hardware Checklist
The issues that schools typically must address in the hardware category include the following:
- Choosing and ordering equipment and systems, such as server(s), desktops, laptops, and network cards
- Building in connectivity, such as access points for wireless
- Integrating devices such as phones, smart boards, projectors, laptop storage lockers, and mobile carts
- Adding peripherals such as printers and scanners
- Considering system requirements, district specifications, and product warranties before making purchases
- Identifying appropriate hardware vendors
- Considering leasing vs. purchasing
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