Wireless NetworkWireless Network

Module forModule forCET 592 / ED 492CET 592 / ED 492

Wayne Pauli Wayne Pauli Dustin Schnabel – Eric SchneiderDustin Schnabel – Eric Schneider

ScheduleSchedule

Monday 4-7 12:00 to 12:50Monday 4-7 12:00 to 12:50• KC 122KC 122

Tuesday 4-8 12:25 to 1:15Tuesday 4-8 12:25 to 1:15• KC 122KC 122

Wednesday 4-9 12:00 to 12:50Wednesday 4-9 12:00 to 12:50• CEWL (EH 2)CEWL (EH 2)

Thursday 4-10 12:25 to 1:15Thursday 4-10 12:25 to 1:15• CEWL (EH 2)CEWL (EH 2)

What and WhyWhat and Why

Monday and Tuesday will be Monday and Tuesday will be discussion on the wireless network, discussion on the wireless network, how it came into existence, and why it how it came into existence, and why it is important to DSUis important to DSU

Wednesday and Thursday will be Wednesday and Thursday will be hands on days in the CEWL where you hands on days in the CEWL where you will actually configure laptops and will actually configure laptops and PDAs to work on the wireless network PDAs to work on the wireless network

Brought to you by…Brought to you by…

The CEXThe CEX

Present DemographicsPresent Demographics

• 74 members, representing all four 74 members, representing all four collegescolleges

• 22 members graduating next Month22 members graduating next Month• All with one thing in common, that being All with one thing in common, that being

that technology is important, and that that technology is important, and that with technology they hope to become with technology they hope to become leaders in their chosen fields of endeavorleaders in their chosen fields of endeavor

Value-AddedValue-Added

The CEX takes the approach that The CEX takes the approach that through projects, value is added to through projects, value is added to the student’s education.the student’s education.

The application of theories learned in The application of theories learned in the classroom are importantthe classroom are important

The application is technology based The application is technology based and real-world in natureand real-world in nature

Wireless NetworkWireless Network

Mobile DevicesMobile Devices

Two Years in the MakingTwo Years in the Making

2001-20022001-2002• $50,000 in special $50,000 in special

funding from funding from President TunheimPresident Tunheim

network installed network installed in East Hall, Mundt in East Hall, Mundt Library, and the Trojan Library, and the Trojan CenterCenter

Purchased 20 laptops and Purchased 20 laptops and 20 iPaqs for beta testing20 iPaqs for beta testing

Unveiling of network at Unveiling of network at the 2002 CEX the 2002 CEX SymposiumSymposium

2002-20032002-2003• $80,000 in line item $80,000 in line item

budget for the budget for the wireless initiativewireless initiative

installation installation continued into continued into Kennedy, Beadle, Kennedy, Beadle, Science Center, Science Center, Lowry, Heston, DPP, Lowry, Heston, DPP, Field House, and Field House, and Community CenterCommunity Center

Purchased cart with Purchased cart with 16 laptops for CEWL16 laptops for CEWL

Why a Wireless NetworkWhy a Wireless Network

The DSU Core Statement states that The DSU Core Statement states that ““we are the leader in applying we are the leader in applying computer and information computer and information systems technology to higher systems technology to higher education.”education.”

A competitive advantage A competitive advantage Forward thinking administrationForward thinking administration Because we canBecause we can

Different StandardsDifferent Standards 802.11802.11 -- applies to wireless LANs and provides 1 -- applies to wireless LANs and provides 1

or 2 Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz band.or 2 Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz band. 802.11a802.11a -- an extension to 802.11 that applies to -- an extension to 802.11 that applies to

wireless LANs and provides up to 54 Mbps in the wireless LANs and provides up to 54 Mbps in the 5GHz band. 5GHz band.

802.11b802.11b (also referred to as (also referred to as 802.11 High Rate802.11 High Rate or or Wi-FiWi-Fi) -- an extension to 802.11 that applies to ) -- an extension to 802.11 that applies to wireless LANS and provides 11 Mbps transmission wireless LANS and provides 11 Mbps transmission (with a fallback to 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 (with a fallback to 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band. GHz band.

802.11g802.11g -- applies to wireless LANs and provides -- applies to wireless LANs and provides 20+ Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band.20+ Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band.

802.11b802.11b ProsPros

• RangeRange 300 ft. in a building300 ft. in a building 1000 ft. outside1000 ft. outside

• Well accepted standardWell accepted standard• Low CostLow Cost• Availability of Availability of

EquipmentEquipment AP’s, NIC’s, & AP’s, NIC’s, &

AccessoriesAccessories• InteroperabilityInteroperability

802.11b works with the 802.11b works with the new 802.11g new 802.11g equipmentequipment

ConsCons• RF InterferenceRF Interference• Lower ThroughputLower Throughput

1-11 MBit (Up to 22 1-11 MBit (Up to 22 MBit with special MBit with special equipment.) equipment.)

Only 4 Step-downsOnly 4 Step-downs

802.11a802.11a ProsPros

• Speed!Speed! 54 MBit54 MBit Support for high Support for high

bandwidth applications. bandwidth applications. Ex: voice, video, & large Ex: voice, video, & large image files.image files.

• Less InterferenceLess Interference Standards such as Standards such as

802.11b & 802.11g are in 802.11b & 802.11g are in the 2.5 GHz band, which the 2.5 GHz band, which is getting congested. is getting congested.

• More End-UsersMore End-Users 802.11a AP’s can handle 802.11a AP’s can handle

more users because of the more users because of the increased throughput.increased throughput.

ConsCons• CostCost

Higher cost of equipment.Higher cost of equipment. More equipment neededMore equipment needed

• CoverageCoverage High Bandwidth (5 GHz) High Bandwidth (5 GHz)

affects range.affects range. Range of 60 ft.Range of 60 ft.

• InoperabilityInoperability 802.11b is already widely 802.11b is already widely

accepted and ‘a’ operates accepted and ‘a’ operates on a different frequency on a different frequency than ‘b’ & ‘g’. They will than ‘b’ & ‘g’. They will not work together.not work together.

802.11g802.11g

ProsPros• FasterFaster

54 MBit54 MBit

• InteroperabilityInteroperability• Fledgling supportFledgling support

Companies such as Companies such as Cisco, Linksys, Cisco, Linksys, Apple, & D-link have Apple, & D-link have ‘g’ equipment.‘g’ equipment.

• Same advantages Same advantages as ‘b’.as ‘b’.

ConsCons• No definite No definite

standard yet.standard yet. Coming Summer Coming Summer

20032003

• ““Pre-standard” Pre-standard” equipment is not equipment is not guaranteed to work.guaranteed to work.

Things to Keep in MindThings to Keep in Mind

Upcoming ‘g’ standardUpcoming ‘g’ standard Dual mode equipmentDual mode equipment

• Compatible with both ‘a’ & ‘b’ standardsCompatible with both ‘a’ & ‘b’ standards

Options Options

The only feasible option at the time The only feasible option at the time of implementation was 802.11b.of implementation was 802.11b.

Provides 11 Mbps connection over a Provides 11 Mbps connection over a 2.4 GHz frequency.2.4 GHz frequency.

Was cost effective at the time Was cost effective at the time because prices started to drop.because prices started to drop.

Was an established standard that Was an established standard that was being used in the real world with was being used in the real world with good success.good success.

Why did we choose thisWhy did we choose this

802.11b was the only mature wireless 802.11b was the only mature wireless standard available.standard available.

802.11g and 802.11a were on the horizon 802.11g and 802.11a were on the horizon but they were not a feasible option.but they were not a feasible option.

Choosing to go with 802.11a would have Choosing to go with 802.11a would have pushed the project back by at least six pushed the project back by at least six months and the 802.11g standard is still months and the 802.11g standard is still not finalized.not finalized.

Feedback from several “experienced” Feedback from several “experienced” sources also had a factor on the decision.sources also had a factor on the decision.

Installing a WLANInstalling a WLAN

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

and iPaqand iPaq

Steps to InstallationSteps to Installation PlanningPlanning

• VLANVLAN Identify Locations for AP’sIdentify Locations for AP’s

• Site SurveysSite Surveys Installation of EquipmentInstallation of Equipment

• Installing clear of interferenceInstalling clear of interference Configuring of AP’s Configuring of AP’s

• Alternating Channels &Alternating Channels &RF InterferanceRF Interferance

• WEP KeyWEP Key• SSIDSSID

Test InstallationTest Installation• Net StumblerNet Stumbler

RF InterferenceRF Interference For 2.4 GHz wireless LANs, there are several sources of interfering For 2.4 GHz wireless LANs, there are several sources of interfering

signals, including microwave ovens, wireless phones, Bluetooth signals, including microwave ovens, wireless phones, Bluetooth enabled devices, and other wireless LANs. The most damaging of enabled devices, and other wireless LANs. The most damaging of these are 2.4 GHz wireless phones that people are starting to use 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 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 within the same room as an 802.11b wireless LAN, then expect poor wireless LAN performance.poor wireless LAN performance.

Microwave ovens operating within 10 feet or so of an access point Microwave ovens operating within 10 feet or so of an access point or radio-equipped user will generally just cause 802.11b or radio-equipped user will generally just cause 802.11b performance to drop. Bluetooth enabled devices, such as laptops performance to drop. Bluetooth enabled devices, such as laptops and PDAs, will also cause performance degradations if operating in and PDAs, will also cause performance degradations if operating in close proximately to 802.11 stations, especially if the 802.11 close proximately to 802.11 stations, especially if the 802.11 station is relatively far (i.e., low signal levels) from the station that 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, it's communicating with. The 802.11 and 802.15 standards groups, however, are working on a standard that will enable the however, are working on a standard that will enable the coexistence of Bluetooth and 802.11 devices. Other wireless LANs, coexistence of Bluetooth and 802.11 devices. Other wireless LANs, such as one that your neighbor may be operating, can cause such as one that your neighbor may be operating, can cause interference unless you coordinate the selection of 802.11b interference unless you coordinate the selection of 802.11b channels.channels.

Alternating ChannelsAlternating Channels

AP’s set to the same channel may AP’s set to the same channel may interfere or cause ‘cross talk’.interfere or cause ‘cross talk’.

In theory only 3 channels are able to In theory only 3 channels are able to be used: 1, 6, & 11.be used: 1, 6, & 11.

Parts to a Wireless LANParts to a Wireless LAN Network Card (NIC)Network Card (NIC)

• Radio that attached to computer.Radio that attached to computer.• Cisco Aironet 350Cisco Aironet 350

Access PointsAccess Points• Radio equipment that connects to the wireless Radio equipment that connects to the wireless

network.network.• Cisco Aironet 350 & 1200 Cisco Aironet 350 & 1200

RepeatersRepeaters• Extends the range of wireless network.Extends the range of wireless network.

BridgesBridges• Used to link different sites. Uses ‘line of sight’.Used to link different sites. Uses ‘line of sight’.

DSU’s Wireless NetworkDSU’s Wireless Network

Where it is installedWhere it is installed• TC / UndergroundTC / Underground• East HallEast Hall• Kennedy CenterKennedy Center• Beadle HallBeadle Hall• Science CenterScience Center• Lowry HallLowry Hall• Karl Mundt LibraryKarl Mundt Library

DSU’s WLAN (Cont.)DSU’s WLAN (Cont.)

• Field HouseField House• Community Center LobbyCommunity Center Lobby• All Dorm 1All Dorm 1stst Floor Lobbies Floor Lobbies

Placement of AP’sPlacement of AP’s TestingTesting

Security IssuesSecurity Issues

Devices connecting to the DSU Devices connecting to the DSU wireless network must have their wireless network must have their MAC address registered with the MAC address registered with the school.school.

Each device must also have the SSID Each device must also have the SSID and the 128 bit WEP key entered.and the 128 bit WEP key entered.

From a Student’s perspectiveFrom a Student’s perspective

The Wireless Network means “Mobile The Wireless Network means “Mobile Computing”Computing”

Every classroom becomes a Every classroom becomes a computer labcomputer lab

No waiting for a lab to open in order No waiting for a lab to open in order to surfto surf

Cutting edge technologyCutting edge technology

Present UtilizationPresent Utilization

2 classes taught in 2 classes taught in this environment this environment during Fall 02during Fall 02

7 classes being 7 classes being taught this taught this semestersemester

We have even had We have even had an open house that an open house that was well attendedwas well attended

DSU PerspectiveDSU Perspective

Curriculum Developed with the Curriculum Developed with the following overriding principles:following overriding principles:• Curriculum could not deviate greatly from Curriculum could not deviate greatly from

traditionally delivered sections of the same traditionally delivered sections of the same course ( a case of haves vs. have-nots)course ( a case of haves vs. have-nots)

• Course to be as “hands on” as possible Course to be as “hands on” as possible given the investment of hardware by the given the investment of hardware by the studentstudent

• Faculty member must be willing to teach Faculty member must be willing to teach the course in the wireless environmentthe course in the wireless environment

DSU Wireless NetworkDSU Wireless Network

Spring 2003 Courses in the Spring 2003 Courses in the Wireless LabWireless Lab

ENGL 101 – Deana HuenersENGL 101 – Deana Hueners CSC 206(MOS) – Melissa GioglioCSC 206(MOS) – Melissa Gioglio CIS 130 – Josh PauliCIS 130 – Josh Pauli CIS 251 – Lynette MolstadCIS 251 – Lynette Molstad CIS 375 – Tom HalversonCIS 375 – Tom Halverson CIS 424 – Wayne Pauli (2 sections)CIS 424 – Wayne Pauli (2 sections)

ENGL 101 – English CompositionENGL 101 – English Composition

Anticipated Benefits:Anticipated Benefits: Smaller class size will improve Smaller class size will improve

student-to-instructor ratiostudent-to-instructor ratio Mobility of classroom will expand the Mobility of classroom will expand the

variety of learning activitiesvariety of learning activities Flexibility of the learning environment Flexibility of the learning environment

and physical size of equipment will and physical size of equipment will foster increased student foster increased student participation/interactionparticipation/interaction

ENGL 101 – English CompositionENGL 101 – English Composition

Spring 2003 GoalsSpring 2003 Goals Extend the learning environment Extend the learning environment

beyond the classroom via a course beyond the classroom via a course discussion boarddiscussion board

Take advantage of the flexible nature Take advantage of the flexible nature of the wireless network by scheduling of the wireless network by scheduling activities in remote locations:activities in remote locations:• Focused research instruction in the Mundt Focused research instruction in the Mundt

LibraryLibrary• Focused study of the descriptive mode in the Focused study of the descriptive mode in the

MarketplaceMarketplace

English 101 – Improved EnvironmentEnglish 101 – Improved Environment

Laptop mobility and size improve learning Laptop mobility and size improve learning activitiesactivities

DiscussionDiscussion• Students aren’t hidden behind monitorsStudents aren’t hidden behind monitors• Instructors have more control over computer Instructors have more control over computer

activities and online distractionsactivities and online distractions CollaborationCollaboration

• Students aren’t hobbled by stationary computersStudents aren’t hobbled by stationary computers• Students have more desk space to workStudents have more desk space to work• Students/instructor confer with ease. Students make Students/instructor confer with ease. Students make

changes to essays immediately during conference.changes to essays immediately during conference.

English 101 – Improved EnvironmentEnglish 101 – Improved Environment

Laptop mobility allows students to move Laptop mobility allows students to move beyond the traditional classroombeyond the traditional classroom

Students travel to library to conduct Students travel to library to conduct researchresearch

Students travel to other buildings to Students travel to other buildings to complete interviewscomplete interviews

Students travel to student union to Students travel to student union to conduct student surveysconduct student surveys

Students travel outside to do analytical or Students travel outside to do analytical or descriptive writing exercisesdescriptive writing exercises

English 101 – Increased Student InterestEnglish 101 – Increased Student Interest

Laptops Serve as EqualizersLaptops Serve as Equalizers Students uncertain about writing skills find Students uncertain about writing skills find

confidence with technologyconfidence with technology Students teach one another computer Students teach one another computer

skills, then writing skillsskills, then writing skills Reluctant writers demonstrate willingness Reluctant writers demonstrate willingness

to revise and edit when using computersto revise and edit when using computers Students focus research/writing on topic Students focus research/writing on topic

relevant to them—wireless technology and relevant to them—wireless technology and educationeducation

English 101 – Student FeedbackEnglish 101 – Student Feedback

English 101 students’ perceptions of English 101 students’ perceptions of wireless learning are positive overall.wireless learning are positive overall.

Some students will find distractions in any Some students will find distractions in any classroom; many students pay attention.classroom; many students pay attention.

Students understand the direction of the Students understand the direction of the course with materials posted to the Web.course with materials posted to the Web.

Students are more likely to ask questions Students are more likely to ask questions via e-mail and/or discussion board.via e-mail and/or discussion board.

Students enjoy online peer workshops and Students enjoy online peer workshops and conferences.conferences.

English 101 - ChallengesEnglish 101 - Challenges

Few students own laptopsFew students own laptops• Restricts classroom activitiesRestricts classroom activities• Unlocking and distributing equipment Unlocking and distributing equipment

cuts into class timecuts into class time• Decreases participation in WebBoard Decreases participation in WebBoard

activities outside of classactivities outside of class Equipment malfunctionsEquipment malfunctions Games, Internet, IM distract studentsGames, Internet, IM distract students

CSC 105 – Intro to Computers CSC 105 – Intro to Computers Instructor FindingsInstructor Findings

Curriculum/Expectations consistent Curriculum/Expectations consistent with other CSC105 sectionswith other CSC105 sections

Wireless section has highest overall Wireless section has highest overall average of the 4 sections taughtaverage of the 4 sections taught

Students excited and anxious about Students excited and anxious about the use of the new laptopsthe use of the new laptops

Students look forward to taking more Students look forward to taking more classes offered in the wireless labclasses offered in the wireless lab

CSC 105 – Intro to ComputersCSC 105 – Intro to ComputersInstructor FindingsInstructor Findings

Students appreciate more one-on-Students appreciate more one-on-one interaction with instructorone interaction with instructor

Students take pride in being the Students take pride in being the “Pioneers” of using the laptops in a “Pioneers” of using the laptops in a wireless environmentwireless environment

Students appreciate the smaller class Students appreciate the smaller class sizessizes

Students agree that mobility of the Students agree that mobility of the wireless laptops great benefitwireless laptops great benefit

CSC 105 – Intro to ComputersCSC 105 – Intro to ComputersInstructor FindingsInstructor Findings

Students develop more trouble shooting Students develop more trouble shooting skills using the laptops (ex. selecting skills using the laptops (ex. selecting printers, connecting to H: & S: drive, etc.) printers, connecting to H: & S: drive, etc.)

Students have benefit of using Windows Students have benefit of using Windows XP vs Windows 2000 to stay on the XP vs Windows 2000 to stay on the cutting edge of computer softwarecutting edge of computer software

Several students have invested in Several students have invested in purchasing their own laptops and several purchasing their own laptops and several more are going to make the purchasemore are going to make the purchase

CIS 130 Visual Basic FindingsCIS 130 Visual Basic Findings

Smaller class size Smaller class size Students enjoy using the lab during Students enjoy using the lab during

classclass Less misuse of lab than anticipatedLess misuse of lab than anticipated Hands-on during classHands-on during class Follow along with the instructorFollow along with the instructor Active learningActive learning

CIS 130 Visual Basic FindingsCIS 130 Visual Basic Findings

Students have access to class web Students have access to class web pagepage

Assignments are placed in web foldersAssignments are placed in web folders Graded and put back in folderGraded and put back in folder Access to class materials from any Access to class materials from any

locationlocation Greater amount of programs are Greater amount of programs are

created by studentscreated by students

CIS 251 Wireless BenefitsCIS 251 Wireless Benefits Smaller class size Smaller class size Better interaction (student/faculty)Better interaction (student/faculty) Troubleshooting/debugging right at Troubleshooting/debugging right at

the computer (prompt feedback)the computer (prompt feedback) Increased computer lab timeIncreased computer lab time Access to Internet (all class materials Access to Internet (all class materials

online), share drive, and home driveonline), share drive, and home drive Motivated studentsMotivated students Immediate assessmentImmediate assessment

Wireless Technology Wireless Technology does not does not == New Pedagogy New Pedagogy

Encourage Contacts Between Students and Encourage Contacts Between Students and TeacherTeacher

Develop Cooperation Among Students and Develop Cooperation Among Students and TeacherTeacher

Use Active Learning TechniquesUse Active Learning Techniques Give Prompt FeedbackGive Prompt Feedback Emphasize Time on TaskEmphasize Time on Task Communicate High ExpectationsCommunicate High Expectations Develop Diverse Talents and Ways of Develop Diverse Talents and Ways of

LearningLearning

A Wireless Teacher should….A Wireless Teacher should…. Work with students to represent info in multiple formatsWork with students to represent info in multiple formats Increase collaborative projects structured around Increase collaborative projects structured around

problem solving and analysisproblem solving and analysis Communicate with students out of class much MORECommunicate with students out of class much MORE Encourage student interaction outside of classEncourage student interaction outside of class Put all course material onlinePut all course material online Receive and return coursework electronicallyReceive and return coursework electronically Provide online practice quizzes and testsProvide online practice quizzes and tests Ask students to generate knowledge content for the Ask students to generate knowledge content for the

coursecourse Put lectures in e-formats and focus on interaction Put lectures in e-formats and focus on interaction Use video, audio, animation material to illustrate course Use video, audio, animation material to illustrate course

conceptsconcepts

DSU Wireless NetworkDSU Wireless Network

Enhanced face-to-face contact Enhanced face-to-face contact facilities learningfacilities learning

Learning is no longer limited by Learning is no longer limited by space and timespace and time

Increased capacity for immediate Increased capacity for immediate feedbackfeedback

Emphasis on lifelong learningEmphasis on lifelong learning Use computers as construction Use computers as construction

devices, not just for communicationdevices, not just for communication

THANK YOU FOR THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!!!ATTENDING!!!