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Wireless Internet

Wireless Internet. An technology overview and guide to effective use at home, work, and in the classroom. Larry MacPhee e-Learning Center Northern Arizona University. Infrared. Found on older PDAs, Laptops, Printers Requires Line-of-sight Short range Flaky Not widely adopted

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Wireless Internet

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  1. Wireless Internet An technology overview and guide to effective use at home, work, and in the classroom. Larry MacPhee e-Learning Center Northern Arizona University

  2. Infrared • Found on older PDAs, Laptops, Printers • Requires Line-of-sight • Short range • Flaky • Not widely adopted • Now used mostly for remotes

  3. GPRS and Cell Phones • Discussion for another day But consider how these devices can be used in the classroom by students…with or without instructor encouragement!

  4. Bluetooth http://www.bluetooth.com • Named after Danish King Harald “Bluetooth” Blaatand (910-985 AD), credited with uniting Denmark and Norway. • Radio waves • “Short” range (30 ft.) • Computer to Mouse, Keyboard, Cell Phone, PDA • Data rate: 1 Mbps (megabits per second)

  5. Wi-Fi • Wi-Fi = wireless fidelity • http://www.wi-fi.org • IEEE 802.11 protocol • “Long” range (~150 ft) • Uses Radio Frequency (RF)

  6. What we mean by “wireless” • An extension of an existing Internet connection • Not a stand-alone connection • Allows computers to connect to: • other computers (directly) • local networks and devices • the Internet

  7. Ways to Connect • PC to Wireless Access Point • (Infrastructure) “Hot Spot” • PC to PC • (Ad Hoc)

  8. What do I need? • Computer • Wi-Fi card • Built-in wireless • Wireless Access Point (WAP) • Public or Private? • Open or Secure? • Free or Paid?

  9. Does my PC have Wi-Fi? Start / Control Panel / Network Connections • If you see “Wireless Network Connection” you’re all set! • Double-click to see available networks

  10. Joining a Wi-Fi Network: Win XP Open Secure

  11. Joining a Wi-Fi Network: Mac On the Mac, Wi-Fi is called “AirPort”

  12. Laptop $30 to $60+ for 802.11g • PC card (PCMCIA) • External USB • Desktop $30 - $60+ for 802.11g • PCI card • External USB Adding Wireless Capabilities • Where to buy? • NAU bookstore • Computer store • Office supply store

  13. Setting up a WAP at home • High Speed Internet Connection • Cable Modem • DSL Modem • Instructions vary, but are usually poor! • Apple, Linksys, Belkin, D-Link are good brands • Take the time to set up the security! • Skill Level Required: Intermediate to High

  14. Finding a Hot Spot • Search the web: http://www.wifi411.com http://www.jiwire.com • Scan your locale: • “stumbler” software • hotspot finder gizmo.

  15. Free (Usually Open) Late For the Train Macy’s Uptown Billiards Pay ‘n’ Take NAU (Guest access) Know of Others? Public Hot Spots in Flagstaff Paid (Usually Secure) • Kinko’s • Barnes and Noble • Campus Coffee Bean • Starbucks • Embassy Suites • UPS Store • Varsity Espresso • McDonald’s • Days Inn

  16. University Union Dubois Center Learning Resources Center Information Technology Services Eastburn Education Center Engineering and Technology Babbitt Administrative Center Project Management Office Physical Sciences College of Business Southwest Forest Science Complex Wettaw Biology/Biochemistry Gateway Center Institute for Human Development Hotel/Restaurant Management Health Professions Facilities Services Colorado Plateau Studies Riles Biology Ashurst Social and Behavioral Sciences North Union Nursing Cline Library Gammage Bookstore Access Points at NAU WAPs at NAU

  17. Connecting at NAU • http://www.nau.edu/wireless • VPN – for security vpn.nau.edu • Solution Center at 3-1511 (faculty/staff)

  18. Current Wi-Fi Protocols • Detailed Comparisons of a, b, and g • Performance degrades on mixed b/g networks

  19. Future Wi-Fi Protocols • Pre-802.11n is being sold now • Wi-Max promises very long distance • (ideal when Cable and DSL are not practical)

  20. Wireless Speed & Range • A “g” base station can transmit at maximum data rate (54 Mbps) up to about 50 ft, but declines to 11 Mbps by 150 ft. • Max range ~ 500 ft. outdoors • Physical site conditions vary • Antennas can help • Signal is omni-directional

  21. Roaming Wirelessly

  22. Wi-Fi Interference • “b” and “g” use RF in 2.4 GHz range • 11 channels, but… • Interference from • Microwave Ovens • Cordless Phones • Bluetooth Devices • Baby Monitors • More reading…

  23. Wireless Security Why Use Security? • To Control Access to WAP • To Protect Confidential Data • Hide your SSID • Restrict MAC Addresses • Use Data Encryption • 40 Bit WEP • 128 Bit WEP • WPA • Use a VPN • Look for https:

  24. Geek fun: Build a Cantenna • Extend the range by shaping the signal • Point-to-point • Line of sight • 10 miles? • Buy it • Build it!

  25. Geek Fun II: Wi-Fi Printing Make your old laser printer wireless! Skill Level: High Cost: $100 Instructions

  26. Classroom Uses of Wi-Fi Advantages of a Mobile Laptop Lab: • Saves space • Multi-use room • Equipment sharing • Wireless Access Point • Charging • Printing • Security • Accountability

  27. A Wired Classroom

  28. A Wireless Meeting Place

  29. Outdoor Roaming Wireless

  30. A Wireless Lecture Hall

  31. Tablet PCs and PDAs? • How can they be used? • What advantages? • What disadvantages?

  32. Final Thoughts • What if you don’t want Wireless? • IM during tests? • Bootleg WAPs • Unwelcome surfing? • WiFi free zone? • Enforcement? PDAs, Cell Phones, etc.

  33. Acknowledgements • Stephanie McCarthy - Graphics • Don Carter - Additional Content • Kevin Mackett - Additional Content

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