The list of schools deploying wireless LANs is increasing every day. The University
of Oklahoma, Stanford, Washington’s American University and many others have
already installed wireless LANs, and most other colleges are actively considering
deployments. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of wireless in colleges
and consider some potential issues.
Widespread, Mobile Network Access
Many colleges are finding beneficial reasons to install wireless LANs, mostly
to provide mobile network applications to their students. In fact, schools have
begun using the existence of wireless LAN access as a competitive advantage.
These schools are targeting the growing number of students with laptops and
expectations of accessing the Internet and school resources from anywhere on
campus, such as classrooms, libraries, quads, and dormitories. Students are
able to readily check email, surf the Web, access specialized school applications,
check grades, and view transcripts. As a result, students make better use of
their time.
WLANs Reduce Networking Costs
Many colleges are finding that wireless LANs save on costs, especially in networking
new or renovated buildings. For example, the University of Southern Mississippi
installed 300 wireless access points rather than rewire buildings on campus.
The school is only paying approximately $9,000 per building for wireless, rather
than $75,000 per building for a wired system. The savings comes not just from
less wiring but also the corresponding reduction in installation labor.
Of course, cost savings is only one factor. Wireless LANs also provide broader,
mobile access to the users.
Some schools, such as New England University, are very old and difficult to
wire. In this case, it’s impractical and cost prohibitive to install a traditional
wired network. In order to save money and the historic nature of the school’s
buildings, a wireless LAN is really the only alternative.
802.11 Phones Enhance Security
In addition to providing network access for laptops and PDAs, a wireless LAN
is an infrastructure that can support 802.11 wireless telephones. For example,
the New Brunswick School in New Jersey installed portable 802.11 SpectraLink
telephones to enable custodial staff and teachers to keep in contact as they
move about the facilities. The enhanced communications offers a higher degree
of security and better access to teachers from parents.
WLANs Augment Computer Rooms
It’s expensive to establish and maintain computer rooms for students to utilize
for accessing the Internet and completing lab assignments. Students must often
wait in line for using a computer in a lab, which cuts into other activities.
A wireless LAN, however, gives students access to needed resources using their
own laptop from anywhere on campus at any time, even after the traditional computer
room closes. This more evenly distributes network access to all students, enhancing
student efficiency. Of course the school can also save the costs of running
the computer lab.
Think About The Issues
Even though a wireless LAN offers many benefits, schools need to consider potential
issues before diving into deployment. The following offers some items to consider:
- Potential security threats. The 802.11 security mechanism, WEP
(wired equivalent privacy), doesn’t provide much protection because a hacker
using common tools available from the Internet can decode WEP encrypted data
with enough patience. A university is at risk because some students may find
it “fun” to break through LAN security and make inappropriate use of school
resources. Schools must deploy additional security mechanisms to protect sensitive
information, such as grades and financial data. - Performance issues. The use of wireless LANs in a school requires
bandwidth. For example, there could be a hundred students within close proximity
(e.g., in nearby classrooms) actively accessing network resources. This can
easily bog down a local access point. In order to accommodate a high density
of users, schools should consider the use of an 802.11a
network to maximize capacity. - Reduced battery life. Radio NICs consume significant power from
laptop batteries, so students will quickly discover that they need to charge
their batteries more often. Consequently, schools need to ensure it’s convenient
for students to plug into AC outlets throughout the campus, such as classrooms
and libraries. In addition, students should be made aware of the possible
use of 802.11
power saving mode to increase battery life.
Regardless of these issues, schools (especially universities) are installing
wireless LANs all over. Within a couple years, the presence of a wireless LAN
in schools will be commonplace. If you’re a school and don’t have plans to
go wireless, you’d better get started!
Jim Geier provides independent consulting services to companies
developing and deploying wireless network solutions. He is the author of the
book, Wireless LANs
(SAMs, 2001), and regularly instructs workshops on wireless LANs.
Join Jim for discussions as he answers questions in the 802.11 Planet Forums.
Can your local schools easily jump on the Wi-Fi band wagon? Join us at the 802.11 Planet
Conference & Expo, Dec. 3-5 in Santa Clara, CA. One of our sessions
will cover “Leveraging an 802.11 Backbone in Education.”
