Wireless Internet An technology overview and guide to

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

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

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!

• 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

Wi-Fi • • • Wi-Fi = wireless fidelity http: //www. wi-fi. org IEEE 802. 11 protocol “Long” range (~150 ft) Uses Radio Frequency (RF)

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

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

What do I need? 1. Computer • Wi-Fi card • Built-in wireless 2. Wireless Access Point (WAP) • Public or Private? • Open or Secure? • Free or Paid?

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

Joining a Wi-Fi Network: Win XP Open Secure

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

Adding Wireless Capabilities • Laptop $30 to $60+ for 802. 11 g • PC card (PCMCIA) • External USB • Desktop $30 - $60+ for 802. 11 g • PCI card • External USB • Where to buy? • NAU bookstore • Computer store • Office supply store

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

Finding a Hot Spot • Search the web: http: //www. wifi 411. com http: //www. jiwire. com • Scan your locale: – “stumbler” software – hotspot finder gizmo.

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

Access Points at NAU 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 WAPs at NAU

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

Current Wi-Fi Protocols Protocol Data Rate Range Compatibilit y Long First out 802. 11 b 11 Mbps 802. 11 a 54 Mbps Short No 802. 11 g 54 Mbps Long With b – Detailed Comparisons of a, b, and g – Performance degrades on mixed b/g networks

Future Wi-Fi Protocols Protocol Data Rate Range Compatibility 802. 11 n 100 Mbps+ Longer b and g Wi-Max 70 Mbps Longest 802. 16 (~250 ft) (5 - 30 mi) • Pre-802. 11 n is being sold now • Wi-Max promises very long distance • (ideal when Cable and DSL are not practical)

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

Roaming Wirelessly

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…

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:

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

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

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

A Wired Classroom

A Wireless Meeting Place

Outdoor Roaming Wireless

A Wireless Lecture Hall

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

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

Acknowledgements • Stephanie Mc. Carthy - Graphics • Don Carter - Additional Content • Kevin Mackett - Additional Content