Wireless Network

1
Wireless Network

• Module for
• CET 592 / ED 492
• Wayne Pauli
• Dustin Schnabel Eric Schneider

2
Schedule

• Monday 4-7 1200 to
  1250
• KC 122
• Tuesday 4-8 1225 to 115
• KC 122
• Wednesday 4-9 1200 to 1250
• CEWL (EH 2)
• Thursday 4-10 1225 to 115
• CEWL (EH 2)

3
What and Why

• Monday and Tuesday will be discussion on the
  wireless network, how it came into existence, and
  why it is important to DSU
• Wednesday and Thursday will be hands on days in
  the CEWL where you will actually configure
  laptops and PDAs to work on the wireless network

4
Brought to you by
5
The CEX

• Present Demographics
• 74 members, representing all four colleges
• 22 members graduating next Month
• All with one thing in common, that being that
  technology is important, and that with technology
  they hope to become leaders in their chosen
  fields of endeavor

6
Value-Added

• The CEX takes the approach that through projects,
  value is added to the students education.
• The application of theories learned in the
  classroom are important
• The application is technology based and
  real-world in nature

7
Wireless Network
8
Mobile Devices
9
Two Years in the Making

• 2001-2002
• 50,000 in special funding from President Tunheim
• network installed in East Hall, Mundt Library,
  and the Trojan Center
• Purchased 20 laptops and 20 iPaqs for beta
  testing
• Unveiling of network at the 2002 CEX Symposium

• 2002-2003
• 80,000 in line item budget for the wireless
  initiative
• installation continued into Kennedy, Beadle,
  Science Center, Lowry, Heston, DPP, Field House,
  and Community Center
• Purchased cart with 16 laptops for CEWL

10
Why a Wireless Network

• The DSU Core Statement states that we are the
  leader in applying computer and information
  systems technology to higher education.
• A competitive advantage
• Forward thinking administration
• Because we can

11
Different Standards

• 802.11 -- applies to wireless LANs and provides 1
  or 2 Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz band.
• 802.11a -- an extension to 802.11 that applies to
  wireless LANs and provides up to 54 Mbps in the
  5GHz band.
• 802.11b (also referred to as 802.11 High Rate or
  Wi-Fi) -- an extension to 802.11 that applies to
  wireless LANS and provides 11 Mbps transmission
  (with a fallback to 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4
  GHz band.
• 802.11g -- applies to wireless LANs and provides
  20 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band.

12
802.11b

• Pros
• Range
• 300 ft. in a building
• 1000 ft. outside
• Well accepted standard
• Low Cost
• Availability of Equipment
• APs, NICs, Accessories
• Interoperability
• 802.11b works with the new 802.11g equipment

• Cons
• RF Interference
• Lower Throughput
• 1-11 MBit (Up to 22 MBit with special equipment.)
  
• Only 4 Step-downs

13
802.11a

• Pros
• Speed!
• 54 MBit
• Support for high bandwidth applications. Ex
  voice, video, large image files.
• Less Interference
• Standards such as 802.11b 802.11g are in the
  2.5 GHz band, which is getting congested.
• More End-Users
• 802.11a APs can handle more users because of the
  increased throughput.

• Cons
• Cost
• Higher cost of equipment.
• More equipment needed
• Coverage
• High Bandwidth (5 GHz) affects range.
• Range of 60 ft.
• Inoperability
• 802.11b is already widely accepted and a
  operates on a different frequency than b g.
  They will not work together.

14
802.11g

• Pros
• Faster
• 54 MBit
• Interoperability
• Fledgling support
• Companies such as Cisco, Linksys, Apple, D-link
  have g equipment.
• Same advantages as b.

• Cons
• No definite standard yet.
• Coming Summer 2003
• Pre-standard equipment is not guaranteed to
  work.

15
Things to Keep in Mind

• Upcoming g standard
• Dual mode equipment
• Compatible with both a b standards

16
(No Transcript)
17
Options

• The only feasible option at the time of
  implementation was 802.11b.
• Provides 11 Mbps connection over a 2.4 GHz
  frequency.
• Was cost effective at the time because prices
  started to drop.
• Was an established standard that was being used
  in the real world with good success.

18
Why did we choose this

• 802.11b was the only mature wireless standard
  available.
• 802.11g and 802.11a were on the horizon but they
  were not a feasible option.
• Choosing to go with 802.11a would have pushed the
  project back by at least six months and the
  802.11g standard is still not finalized.
• Feedback from several experienced sources also
  had a factor on the decision.

19
Installing a WLAN

• 2002 Gateway Laptops from the CEX Wireless Lab,
  Wireless NIC, Cisco AP and iPaq

20
Steps to Installation

• Planning
• VLAN
• Identify Locations for APs
• Site Surveys
• Installation of Equipment
• Installing clear of interference
• Configuring of APs
• Alternating Channels RF Interferance
• WEP Key
• SSID
• Test Installation
• Net Stumbler

21
RF Interference

• For 2.4 GHz wireless LANs, there are several
  sources of interfering signals, including
  microwave ovens, wireless phones, Bluetooth
  enabled devices, and other wireless LANs. The
  most damaging of these are 2.4 GHz wireless
  phones that people are starting to use in homes
  and some companies. If one of these phones is in
  use within the same room as an 802.11b wireless
  LAN, then expect poor wireless LAN performance.
• Microwave ovens operating within 10 feet or so of
  an access point or radio-equipped user will
  generally just cause 802.11b performance to drop.
  Bluetooth enabled devices, such as laptops and
  PDAs, will also cause performance degradations if
  operating in close proximately to 802.11
  stations, especially if the 802.11 station is
  relatively far (i.e., low signal levels) from the
  station that it's communicating with. The 802.11
  and 802.15 standards groups, however, are working
  on a standard that will enable the coexistence of
  Bluetooth and 802.11 devices. Other wireless
  LANs, such as one that your neighbor may be
  operating, can cause interference unless you
  coordinate the selection of 802.11b channels.

22
Alternating Channels

• APs set to the same channel may interfere or
  cause cross talk.
• In theory only 3 channels are able to be used 1,
  6, 11.

23
Parts to a Wireless LAN

• Network Card (NIC)
• Radio that attached to computer.
• Cisco Aironet 350
• Access Points
• Radio equipment that connects to the wireless
  network.
• Cisco Aironet 350 1200
• Repeaters
• Extends the range of wireless network.
• Bridges
• Used to link different sites. Uses line of
  sight.

24
DSUs Wireless Network

• Where it is installed
• TC / Underground
• East Hall
• Kennedy Center
• Beadle Hall
• Science Center
• Lowry Hall
• Karl Mundt Library

25
DSUs WLAN (Cont.)

• Field House
• Community Center Lobby
• All Dorm 1st Floor Lobbies
• Placement of APs
• Testing

26
Security Issues

• Devices connecting to the DSU wireless network
  must have their MAC address registered with the
  school.
• Each device must also have the SSID and the 128
  bit WEP key entered.

27
From a Students perspective

• The Wireless Network means Mobile Computing
• Every classroom becomes a computer lab
• No waiting for a lab to open in order to surf
• Cutting edge technology

28
Present Utilization

• 2 classes taught in this environment during Fall
  02
• 7 classes being taught this semester
• We have even had an open house that was well
  attended

29
DSU Perspective

• Curriculum Developed with the following
  overriding principles
• Curriculum could not deviate greatly from
  traditionally delivered sections of the same
  course ( a case of haves vs. have-nots)
• Course to be as hands on as possible given the
  investment of hardware by the student
• Faculty member must be willing to teach the
  course in the wireless environment

30
DSU Wireless Network

• Spring 2003 Courses in the Wireless Lab
• ENGL 101 Deana Hueners
• CSC 206(MOS) Melissa Gioglio
• CIS 130 Josh Pauli
• CIS 251 Lynette Molstad
• CIS 375 Tom Halverson
• CIS 424 Wayne Pauli (2 sections)

31
ENGL 101 English Composition

• Anticipated Benefits
• Smaller class size will improve
  student-to-instructor ratio
• Mobility of classroom will expand the variety of
  learning activities
• Flexibility of the learning environment and
  physical size of equipment will foster increased
  student participation/interaction

32
ENGL 101 English Composition

• Spring 2003 Goals
• Extend the learning environment beyond the
  classroom via a course discussion board
• Take advantage of the flexible nature of the
  wireless network by scheduling activities in
  remote locations
• Focused research instruction in the Mundt Library
• Focused study of the descriptive mode in the
  Marketplace

33
English 101 Improved Environment

• Laptop mobility and size improve learning
  activities
• Discussion
• Students arent hidden behind monitors
• Instructors have more control over computer
  activities and online distractions
• Collaboration
• Students arent hobbled by stationary computers
• Students have more desk space to work
• Students/instructor confer with ease. Students
  make changes to essays immediately during
  conference.

34
English 101 Improved Environment

• Laptop mobility allows students to move beyond
  the traditional classroom
• Students travel to library to conduct research
• Students travel to other buildings to complete
  interviews
• Students travel to student union to conduct
  student surveys
• Students travel outside to do analytical or
  descriptive writing exercises

35
English 101 Increased Student Interest

• Laptops Serve as Equalizers
• Students uncertain about writing skills find
  confidence with technology
• Students teach one another computer skills, then
  writing skills
• Reluctant writers demonstrate willingness to
  revise and edit when using computers
• Students focus research/writing on topic relevant
  to themwireless technology and education

36
English 101 Student Feedback

• English 101 students perceptions of wireless
  learning are positive overall.
• Some students will find distractions in any
  classroom many students pay attention.
• Students understand the direction of the course
  with materials posted to the Web.
• Students are more likely to ask questions via
  e-mail and/or discussion board.
• Students enjoy online peer workshops and
  conferences.

37
English 101 - Challenges

• Few students own laptops
• Restricts classroom activities
• Unlocking and distributing equipment cuts into
  class time
• Decreases participation in WebBoard activities
  outside of class
• Equipment malfunctions
• Games, Internet, IM distract students

38
CSC 105 Intro to Computers Instructor Findings

• Curriculum/Expectations consistent with other
  CSC105 sections
• Wireless section has highest overall average of
  the 4 sections taught
• Students excited and anxious about the use of the
  new laptops
• Students look forward to taking more classes
  offered in the wireless lab

39
CSC 105 Intro to ComputersInstructor Findings

• Students appreciate more one-on-one interaction
  with instructor
• Students take pride in being the Pioneers of
  using the laptops in a wireless environment
• Students appreciate the smaller class sizes
• Students agree that mobility of the wireless
  laptops great benefit

40
CSC 105 Intro to ComputersInstructor Findings

• Students develop more trouble shooting skills
  using the laptops (ex. selecting printers,
  connecting to H S drive, etc.)
• Students have benefit of using Windows XP vs
  Windows 2000 to stay on the cutting edge of
  computer software
• Several students have invested in purchasing
  their own laptops and several more are going to
  make the purchase

41
CIS 130 Visual Basic Findings

• Smaller class size
• Students enjoy using the lab during class
• Less misuse of lab than anticipated
• Hands-on during class
• Follow along with the instructor
• Active learning

42
CIS 130 Visual Basic Findings

• Students have access to class web page
• Assignments are placed in web folders
• Graded and put back in folder
• Access to class materials from any location
• Greater amount of programs are created by
  students

43
CIS 251 Wireless Benefits

• Smaller class size
• Better interaction (student/faculty)
• Troubleshooting/debugging right at the computer
  (prompt feedback)
• Increased computer lab time
• Access to Internet (all class materials online),
  share drive, and home drive
• Motivated students
• Immediate assessment

44
Wireless Technology does not New Pedagogy

• Encourage Contacts Between Students and Teacher
• Develop Cooperation Among Students and Teacher
• Use Active Learning Techniques
• Give Prompt Feedback
• Emphasize Time on Task
• Communicate High Expectations
• Develop Diverse Talents and Ways of Learning

45
A Wireless Teacher should.

• Work with students to represent info in multiple
  formats
• Increase collaborative projects structured around
  problem solving and analysis
• Communicate with students out of class much MORE
• Encourage student interaction outside of class
• Put all course material online
• Receive and return coursework electronically
• Provide online practice quizzes and tests
• Ask students to generate knowledge content for
  the course
• Put lectures in e-formats and focus on
  interaction
• Use video, audio, animation material to
  illustrate course concepts

46
DSU Wireless Network

• Enhanced face-to-face contact facilities learning
• Learning is no longer limited by space and time
• Increased capacity for immediate feedback
• Emphasis on lifelong learning
• Use computers as construction devices, not just
  for communication

47
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!!!