Wireless Technology: An Overview

1
Wireless Technology An Overview

• Presented to CABO
• August 22, 2001
• CSU Monterey Bay

2
Whats the fuss?

• Wireless networking capability is being built
  into more portable devices (Lap tops, PDAs, Cell
  Phones)
• Consumers are responding positively, so far
• Higher Education has always been an innovator in
  technology and its uses
• wireless is so compelling, we can not not use
  it! Marian Moore, Vice Chancellor, UNC, Chapel
  Hill

3
Wireless Standards

• 802.11b
• 2.4 GHz
• 11 Mbps today, up to 22 Mbps in the future
• Readily available
• 802.11a
• 5 GHz
• 54 Mbps initially, up to 100 Mbps in the future
• Not yet widely available

4
Comparative Transfer Speeds

• 10base-T Ethernet 10.0 Mbps
• Wireless (802.11b) 11.0 Mbps
• Wireless (802.11a) 22.0 Mbps
• 100base-T Ethernet 100.0 Mbps
• Gigabit Ethernet 1000.0 Mbps
• Shared not Switched
• CSU Baseline Standard

5
Wireless Benefits

• Provides mobility to users
• Relatively simple to deploy
• Relatively inexpensive per access point
• Provides workable solution when wired solution is
  not physically or financially feasible
• Opportunity to drive innovation

6
Wireless Concerns

• Relatively slow transfer rates
• Transfer rate not CSU Baseline-compliant
• Security is weak at best
• User support is more complicated
• TCO may be higher than wired solutions
• Roaming not transparent

7
Wireless Concerns (cont.)

• Quality of Service not yet suitable for
  applications requiring uninterrupted data
  streams, (esp. if Roaming)
• User behavior may be disruptive
• RF emissions may create workplace hazard
• Impact on charge-back models

8
Is Wireless a Solution?

• Yes, if you have a programmatic need to extend
  access beyond wired infrastructure
• Yes, if you are using it as a niche solution.
• Yes, if you are using it as an overlay to wired
  infrastructure
• Yes, if you can address security issues.
• Yes, if you are prepared to support mobile users.

9
Possible Applications

• Replacement of fixed equipment in labs
• Public access areas such as Libraries
• In support of any extensive Lap Top or PDA
  deployment
• Alternative for Point-to-point connectivity
• however, wireless is NOT a replacement for most
  wired infrastructure!

10
Wireless in the CSU

• NTA has established a Wireless Working Group to
  evaluate the issue. Preliminary assessment
  802.11b not ready for adoption as CSU Standard
• However, TIP Guidelines are being revised and
  will include recommendations for pathways, etc.
  for Wireless Access Points
• TII is supporting Wireless on case-by-case basis.
  Contact mcrase_at_calstate.edu