We invite your comments and suggestions regarding this project.
Please send e-mails to:
Michael Davis
Information Technology Systems
460-6845
davism@mail.belmont.edu
________________________________________________________________________
Questions and answers:
How does the Wireless Internet Zone at Bunch Library work?
A series of access points have been installed throughout the Bunch Library building. An access point is essentially a transmitter/receiver which is connected to Belmont's Internet backbone. A laptop computer or other device which is equipped with a compatible transmitter/receiver can connect to the Internet just as if they were "plugged in" via a wire. The access points used at Bunch Library are ORiNOCO AP-1000 units, produced by Lucent Technologies. These access points use the industry standard IEEE 802.11 protocol for wireless local area networks. Each access point has a limited range which overlaps with the ranges of other access points, which permits a user to access the Internet continuously throughout the building.
------------
How far is the range of the Bunch Library wireless Internet zone?
The range of the wireless LAN extends throughout all public areas of the library building.
------------
Can the wireless Internet connections be used outside the building?
Not with the library's laptop computers; these laptops are NOT to be removed from the library building. However, if you have your own laptop or other device with a compatible wireless connection, then it might be possible to a make a connection within a very short distance outside of the building. The system was not designed with outside use in mind, so the range would be very short.
------------
What are the limitations of using the Internet wirelessly?
Essentially anything that can be done with a "wired" Internet connection can be done with a wireless Internet connection to a laptop PC. The only limitation might be one of speed: wireless connections are somewhat slower than a "wired" connection.
------------
I have my own laptop PC. What do I need to do to get a wireless Internet connection?
Because of the vast number of makes and models of computer systems, it's difficult to be specific. The laptop computers used here at Bunch Library are installed with Microsoft Windows 98. Your computer should run on either Windows 95, 98, or NT. Windows ME has not been tested, but presumably would also work. The computer must be equipped with a compatible wireless receiver/transmitter. Typically this is in the form of a PC card which can be installed into the computer, so the computer will need a PC card slot (PCMCIA connection). You will need to purchase and install your own compatible LAN card. The model used on the Bunch Library laptops is the ORiNOCO Silver. Other makes and models should be compatible, as long as they adhere to the IEEE 802.11 standard.
------------
How much do wireless LAN cards cost and where can I get them?
Prices vary; at the time of this writing (October 2005) prices for compatible LAN cards was generally in the $50 range. Good computer equipment stores should either carry or can order these devices. Again, make sure that the card matches the IEEE 802.11 standard; if thecomputer store has no idea aboutthis, go to another store.
CAUTION: if you buy a USED card from any source, make very sure that you have all the documentation, installation instructions, and software that goes with the card. There is always some amount of software installation needed with these cards; the cards are not simply plug-and-play. If you buy a used card without the supporting software, it will very likely be unusable.
NOTE: BUNCH LIBRARY WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL'S PURCHASE OR INSTALLATION OF WIRELESS LAN CARDS ON THEIR OWN COMPUTERS. If you purchase a wireless card and it either does not operate correctly with your computer, or if it in some way causes any problems with any other software or hardware on your computer, then neither Bunch Library nor Belmont University will be responsible.
------------
What about other devices such as Palm Pilots or other PDA's?
Again, not tested. Certain late models of Palms and other PDA's are potentially compatible with wireless LAN's. Again, if there are volunteers out there, please contact Michael Davis at davism@mail.belmont.edu
=============================================================================
Thanks!
This project would not have been possible without the hard work of Randy Capps, David Elder, and Byron Marsh in Network Support.
=============================================================================
This page last modified 7 October 2005.