Wireless Access Things that you need to know TC Meeting SCISC – January 17, 2007

What is Wireless Access? Ability to connect to school network and Internet without plugging in a network patch cable. Requires a Wireless Access Point and a Wireless Network Card.

What Wireless Access is not. It is not cellular or satellite Internet. You must be within range of an available access point in order to make a connection. It is not as fast as a hard-wired connection. The fastest wireless networks are about half the speed of our wired connections.

Wireless Access Point Commonly called a WAP. Many manufacturers, models and specifications are available. These are External devices. Most units require a place to plug in for power. All require a hard-wired network connection.

Wireless Access Point Our preferred model is the LinkSys WAP54G g (54MB/s) operation g (54MB/s) operation. Compatible with virtually all Wireless Network Cards, even older 11MB/s models. Compatible with virtually all Wireless Network Cards, even older 11MB/s models. Supports our encryption requirements. Supports our encryption requirements. Must be configured with security key. Must be configured with security key. Supports password-protecting the WAP itself. Supports password-protecting the WAP itself. Recommend no more than 15 devices simultaneously connected to a single WAP. Recommend no more than 15 devices simultaneously connected to a single WAP. Multiple units can be installed to support more devices and provide greater coverage area. Multiple units can be installed to support more devices and provide greater coverage area. Requires standard electrical outlet, surge protector and patch cable for the wired network connection. Requires standard electrical outlet, surge protector and patch cable for the wired network connection. These WAPs Cost about $60 each. These WAPs Cost about $60 each. Available from GovConnection, Office Depot and other resellers.

Wireless Access Point Many Factors Determine How Many WAPs You Will Need Number of wireless devices connecting. Number of wireless devices connecting. Coverage area desired. Coverage area desired. Construction of walls, ceilings. Construction of walls, ceilings. Placement of lights, HVAC equipment, electrical panels. Placement of lights, HVAC equipment, electrical panels. Site Survey is the Only Reliable Way to Really Know. Technology Dept will do this. Technology Dept will do this.

Wireless Network Card Preferred cards are LinkSys, D-Link or Intel. Sometimes called a Wireless Card, Wireless NIC or Wireless Network Interface Card. Sometimes called a Wireless Card, Wireless NIC or Wireless Network Interface Card. Many manufacturers, models and specifications are available. Many manufacturers, models and specifications are available. PCMCIA cards common in laptops, PCI cards common in desktops. PCMCIA cards common in laptops, PCI cards common in desktops. Many newer laptops have a built-in wireless card. Many newer laptops have a built-in wireless card. Less expensive cards may not support the speed or security that our network requires. Less expensive cards may not support the speed or security that our network requires.

How Do I Get Wireless? 1. Walter Alexander with your intentions. 2.If warranted, Technology Dept will investigate site, conduct signals tests and such to determine appropriate equipment. 3.Technology Dept will provide quote for needed equipment. 4.School Purchases equipment. 5.Technology Dept will install and configure wireless network, and instruct TC (and primary users) how to use.

Wireless Laptop Carts Do not buy the Wireless Access Points from Gateway. Typically overpriced. Typically overpriced. We’ve had dependability trouble. We’ve had dependability trouble. If you are buying a Gateway laptop cart, Walter Alexander for a separate quote for the WAPs and cables. Technology Dept will install and configure the WAPs on your Laptop Cart, and configure the laptops for proper access and load balancing. Technology Dept will install and configure the WAPs on your Laptop Cart, and configure the laptops for proper access and load balancing.

I Already Have Wireless If you have installed your own Wireless Access Point, please contact Walter Alexander. The Technology Dept wants to ensure: Security is in place and working. Security is in place and working. Performance is as good as it can be. Performance is as good as it can be.

Wireless Access Any Questions?

Generic Student User Accounts Ensuring Accountability

Generic Student Account Possibilities Anonymous Use of the Network could lead to problems. Objectionable Content can be placed on server or workstation, with virtually no way to track who did it. Objectionable Content can be placed on server or workstation, with virtually no way to track who did it. Files or directories can be deleted maliciously, causing disruption of computer learning for students. Files or directories can be deleted maliciously, causing disruption of computer learning for students.

Generic Student Account Realities Problems Have Already Occurred. Entire Student Share wiped out by a generic login account. Entire Student Share wiped out by a generic login account. Obscene videos and pictured placed on a server Student Share by a generic login account. Obscene videos and pictured placed on a server Student Share by a generic login account. Web content filters bypassed by a student logged in as a generic user. Web content filters bypassed by a student logged in as a generic user.

Should We Have Generic Student Accounts? Students are added to network automatically every night, based on STI enrollment. Is this working OK? The Technology Dept can usually react to any user login issues very quickly.

New High-Level Workstation

Changes in Memory Specification Comes standard with 1GB RAM Comes standard with 1GB RAM Optional 1GB RAM addition Optional 1GB RAM addition (for a total of 2GB RAM) Additional memory will prepare for higher application and operating system requirements. Additional memory will prepare for higher application and operating system requirements.

New Server Room Tours Come see our new Network Operations Center between sessions!