Introduction to Wireless in the Library

Introduction to

Wireless in

Libraries

Bill Drew

SUNY Morrisville College Library

BillDrew@BillDrew.Net

Need help?

• Have you been wondering when/whether your library should consider adopting wireless technology?

• Planning to remodel or build and need to understand the networking options for the future, short- and long-term?

Introduction to Wireless -- Bill

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Rules for this workshop

1. Ask questions! There are no stupid questions.

2. Tell me to slow down if I go too fast.

3. Interrupt me to ask questions.

4. This is new and I don’t know everything so feel free to add your ideas.


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What we will cover:

• What is a Wireless

Network?

• History.

• How it works.

• Standards &

Technologies

• Security

• Why do it or possible uses?

• Myths.

• Some Wireless

Devices

• Case Studies.

• Considerations.

• Planning .

• Resources.

• The Future.


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What is a Wireless

Network?

Enables your device to stay connected to your wired network without a wire or network cable.


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A Brief History

• 1894 – Marconi experimented with radio waves.

• 1901 – signals transmitted across the Atlantic.

• 1945 – first public mobile telephone.

• 1971 - first wireless

LAN.

• 1977 – first cellular phone system.

• 1982 – commercial cellular.

• 1942 – Frequency

Hopping Patent.

• 1939 - broadcast

TV started.

• 1990s – laptops and

PDAs.

• 1997 – IEEE 802.11

Standard.

Introduction to Wireless -- Bill 6

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Hedy Lamar Connection

• Wireless based on an idea patented by

Hedy Lamar and composer

George Antheil

• Frequency hopping or spreadspectrum.


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How wireless works

Used with permission of ™ZDnet PC Magazine, March 28, 2000; ©2001 http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/stories/reviews/0,6755,2482910,00.html


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Peer to Peer

• Two can talk to each other without a formal network

• Graphic courtesy of Proxim


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Client and Access Point

• Connecting to the LAN via

WLAN

• Graphic courtesy of

Proxim


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Multiple Access Points

• Multiple Access Points and Roaming

• Graphic courtesy of Proxim


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Extension Points

Graphic courtesy of Proxim


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Standards

• 1997 - IEEE wireless standard : 802.11

• Revised in 1999

– 802.11a – Not yet widely used – here is why -

• 5 GHz range is not available in every country

• segments controlled by military

• segments used for other purposes

– 802.11b – widely used

• 2.4 GHz range is globally available

• Speeds up to 11 Mbps


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802.11 Standards

• 802.11a - 5GHz- ratified in 1999

• 802.11b - 11 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, ratified in 1999

• 802.11d - World Mode and additional regulatory domains - ratified

• 802.11e - Quality of Service – voice, video

• 802.11f - Inter-Access Point Protocol interoperability among different vendors

• 802.11g - Higher Data rate (>20 Mbps)

2.4GHz – approved in July 2003

• 802.11h - Dynamic Frequency Selection and Transmit Power Control mechanisms

• 802.11i - Authentication and security


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IEE 802.11 b most widely used in U.S.

•

Ratified as Standard in Sept, 1999.

• 11 Mbps, 2.4 GHz, Direct

Sequence

• 11 US channels

• 13 ETSI channels

• 14 Japan channels

• Virtually approved for world wide use


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IEE 802.11a – not widely used yet.

•

Ratified as Standard in Sept, 1999

• Provides similar technology to

HiperLAN2

• Data rates to 54 Mbps defined

• Provides 8 indoor WLAN channels

• Regulations differ extensively across countries


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802.11a - Issues

•

8 channels –May not be able to use adjacent channels in adjacent cells due to sideband interference

• Interoperability—No present Wi-Fi standard for interoperability there for no guarantee that what you buy will work with other vendors products - Testing to start in late spring, early summer.

• Not qualified for Europe


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IEEE 802.11g – no hardware yet (?)

• May be approved July 2003

•Provides higher data rates @ 2.4

GHz

•Similar speeds as 802.11a

•Backward compatible with 11 Mbps

(802.11b)


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Other Standards:

Hiperlan/1 and /2 - ETSI

• 5 GHz wireless network.

• supports ATM and Ethernet.

• Compatible with IEEE 802.11a.

• Potentially 53 Mbps.

• Primarily a European standard.


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Other Standards-

Bluetooth

• 2.4 GHz wireless network.

• range - about 30 feet and speed - 2 Mbps.

• focused on home and personal area networks

(HANs and PANs)

• Connects all the digital gadgets one has to other digital gadgets.

• wireless personal network (wPAN) focusing on the

“personal operating space”

• good alternative for localized wireless network.

Courtesy of ABA Legal

Technology Resource Center


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Technologies

• Infrared

– line of site only

– 3 feet to 20 feet

– Usually limited to single room

• Radio Frequency

– Pass through most obstacles

– 150-300 feet from access point

– Indoors, outdoors and building-tobuilding




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Technologies

• Frequency Hopping v. Direct

Sequence

– DSSS transmits data faster

• FHSS limited to 2 Mbps

– DSSS more resistant to interference

– DSSS has higher potential bandwidth

– DSSS is becoming more common and is only option for 802.11b “High Rate”




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Wireless Spectrum

902 MHz 2.4 GHz 5.8 GHz

Instrumentation Scientific Medical (ISM) Bands of Radio Spectrum


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Why do it?


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Why do it or Possible

Uses (Part 1)?

• Flexible configuration of rooms using laptops.

• Allow users to bring in their own wireless devices.

• Can be cheaper than wired.

• Fast installation.

• Greater productivity and service.

• U.S. – twice as many wireless devices as

PCs (Forrester Research).


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Uses (Part 2)?

• Access networked resources at meetings.

• Extend virtual reference desk to all users .

• Allow myLibrary service users to keep their myLibrary on their own device.

• Enhance experience of users in study groups.

• Provide printing from anywhere in the library.

• Place computers where needed not just where there is wire.


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Uses (Part 3)?

• Web based camera to send video back over network for security.

• Wireless devices for OPAC queries and other access.

• Bar coding and other scanning (shelf reading, inventory).

• Allow reference staff to roam with access to network and library resources.

• Circulate laptops / PDAs with wireless.


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Security: Look out for Pirates

• Current protocol uses Wired

Equivalent Privacy algorithm, or

WEP

• Weaknesses of WEP:

– Signals not encrypted.

– Anyone walking by with proper equipment could use the network.

Source: Zdnet News: http://zdnet.com.com/2100-11-527906.html?legacy=zdnn


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Security – what to do?

From

Secure your WLAN by Chris Kozup, Zdnet Tech Update, Dec. 28, 2001; http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/ 0,14179,2835133,00.html

1. Audit: know location of all access points.

2. Authentication: require all users to log in. Treat same as physical network. Can use Kerberos, LDAP,

RADIUS, etc.

3. Confidentiality: encrypt your data .

Can be done using VPNs (virtual private networks).


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Security Solutions

• 802.11i- new security standard

– Provides new encryption and authentication schemes.

– Available late 2002 according to

Zdnet Tech Update.

• Third party solutions available now – see The best way to secure wireless access by Lee

Schlesinger, Zdnet Tech Update, Feb. 7, 2002; http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/

0,14179,2845902,00.html


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Selected Recommendations from NIST

1. Develop a security program.

2. Have a complete inventory of all access points.

3. Change default settings on access points.

4. Enable all security features of your WLAN.

5. Use encrypted authentication and VPNs.

6. Consider using a firewall between WLAN and rest of network.


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Myths

(from Larry Glover – with permission)

• It won't work.

• It costs too much.

• I don't know how to hook up a wireless network.

• Anybody can read my data or hook into my network.

• Planes, trains, truckers on their CBs, and storms will cause my network signal to break up.


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Myths

• Only works in metal free buildings.

• Unreliable.

• Too slow to surf the web.

• ?


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Some Wireless Devices

Compaq iPAQ 3650

•Thin, lightweight, design with brilliant color screen.

•Audio record and playback – Audio programs from the Web, MP3 music, or voice notations

•Rechargeable battery that gives up to

12 hours of battery life

•Ethernet wireless card optional.

•32 MB RAM.


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Compaq iPAQ 3650


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WebDT 380

• Windows CE 3.0 device

• aimed at original equipment manufacturers sell it under their own brand.

• built-in wireless local area network support.


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IBM ThinkPad with Raylink

Ethernet card


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• Palm VIIx

• 6.7 oz.

• 8 MB.


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Case Studies

• Indiana State University

• Liverpool Public Library

• Morrisville College Library

• Rochester Institute of Technology

• University of Colorado, Health

Sciences Center, Denison Library

• Laman Public Library, North Little

Rock, Arkansas


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Copyright ISU Library

Library Mobile Computing Project

(Project Mercury)

Indiana State University Library

ISU Background

• Comprehensive university

• 11,000 students

• Students from rural areas and lower socioeconomic backgrounds


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ISU Library

• Current building opened in 1973.

• Over 1 million volumes on five floors.

• Graduate and faculty carrels are not currently networked.

• Over 60 databases available through the library home page.


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The Mobile Project Plan

• Mobile Project Plan.

• Planned workstation syncing prototype.

• Investigate wireless

LAN’s.


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Project Plan Goals &

Objectives

• Team approach.

• The goals.

• Problems encountered.

– Networking.

– Security.

– Usability.

– Costs.


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Scenario

• A patron enters the library and using a mobile computing device, the patron:

– searches the on-line catalog,

– interacts with others on the network

– takes and records notes

– Locates books and other materials


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Scenario

• Parts 1 and 2 – Install wireless network

– Part 1 – “wire” faculty carrels

– Part 2 – “wire” rest of building

• Part 3 – Test handhelds and PC cards

• Part 4 – Set up mobile web site

• Part 5 – Install reference chat room

• Part 6 – Develop book locator software


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Setting up the network


• Wireless network access in all faculty carrels.

– High potential for mobile device usage.

– Lower cost than wiring 54 carrels.

– A combination of 802.11b components from Cisco and Compaq.


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Wireless LAN Site

Survey



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Carrel Wireless Costs

• Total hardware including 7 Cisco access points, and 10 wireless cards: $8,123.00.

• Total installation costs including wiring, and power: $2,100.00.

• We conducted the site survey ourselves to determine the number and location of access points.


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Rest of Library Wireless Costs

• Total hardware including 17 Cisco access points, 8 Compaq PCI/software access points cost: $18,042.00.

• Total installation costs including wiring, and power: $5,100.00.


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Handheld Specifics

• Compaq iPAQ 3650 PDA.

• Includes expansion pack for PC cards.

• Compaq WL100 wireless network card.

• Syncs via USB cradle to download workstation.


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Handheld Costs

• Compaq iPAQ handheld with wireless cards and expansion packs costs 2 @

$720.00: $14200.00.


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Scenario– Part4 –

developing a web interface for handhelds only.



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Scenario Two, Part 5 –

Reference Chat


• While in the stacks, the student can ask a question of a staff member via chat software.

• Used chat software which could be accessed from more than one workstation.

• Restricted by IP authorization.


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Scenario Two – Part 6

Book Locator

• While in the stacks the user can search the catalog for a book, find a call number, then use Book Locator to determine which floor and shelf the book occupies.


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Conclusions

• Mobile computing in the library is feasible and may serve users better than wired networking in specific cases.

• The library is a good place to prototype mobile computing on campus.


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Liverpool Public Library

Statistics*

• Founded 1822

• Pop: 55,000

• Circ: 497, 827

• Income:

$2,921,166

• Holdings:

– Bks: 101,619

– Per Subs: 463

From American library directory; : a classified list of libraries in the

United States and Canada, with personnel and statistical data.

New York,:Bowker .

2002.


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• Partnering with school district.

• Uses same hardware as school.

• Accessible by

Apple Powerbook using an Airport card.


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• Accessible also via any Windows laptop with a

802.11 compatible card.

• Students from high school can use their laptops in the public library.

• Also loan laptops.


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"The goal of the laptop partnership is to give

Liverpool Central

School District students transparent access to network resources using their laptops in the library."

-- Library Director

Sharon Nottingham.


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• Costs:

– 10 blueberry iBooks:

$14,990

– 10 Airport cards: $890

– Airport base station:

$269.

– Cisco Access Point 340:

$927.

– Bretford laptop storage cart : $464.

• Able to use fund balance, not budget.


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Update

• Currently one Cisco 340 and three Apple AirPort access points.

• Replace with new Cisco 1100 series.

• 1100 supports VLANs and are upgradeable to future flavors of 802.11 and hardware-based security. Can also receive power over Ethernet so no need to worry about electrical outlets.


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Morrisville College

• Residential college of agriculture and technology offering two- and four-year degrees in more than

70 academic programs and options.

• Founded 1908

• Approximately 2,900 full time students

• More than 102 full-time faculty

• Mission: provide access to quality Post-secondary education to all who can benefit.


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Morrisville College Library:

The Laptop Program

• All in a laptop program get IBM laptop and

Raytheon wireless card

• Over 27 curriculums

• Over 50% of the student body

• Can be covered by financial aid.

• ThinkPad A20M (2000)

• 550 MHz

• 128 MB memory

• 6.0 GB hard drive

• 24X CD-ROM

• 1.44 Meg floppy drive

• 56K modem card

• Internal network card

• Wireless network card

• Carrying Case

• Windows ’98SE

• Microsoft Office Pro 2000

• 2 year warranty


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Morrisville College

Library

• more than 90,000 books; 12,000 microfilms; 400 serial titles; 1,500 audio and video cassettes.

• Open 82 hours per week.

• OnLine Catalog: MultiLis and

Web2

• 5 full time librarians

• Online databases and full text resources

• Wireless and network connections for users


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Morrisville College Vision

“The State University of New York College of

Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville aspires to be an academically challenging , business-oriented, technology-focused entrepreneurial learning community.”


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Morrisville College: Network and

Computing Infrastructure

• Backbone : Gigabit Ethernet.

• To the Desk Top: 10 base T (100

Megabit capable).

• All class rooms wired with at least one port.

• All Faculty and Staff Offices wired.

• Wireless – all academic buildings and dorms plus all dining areas. More to follow.


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Morrisville College: Network and

Computing Infrastructure -

Wireless

• Raytheon Raylink Card

• 2 Mb Shared (IEE 802.11

Standard)

• Covers entire college

• 70 times faster than phoneline


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New Services – Talk to a

Librarian

• Real time communication between the remote user and

• Remote Users are: the reference desk.

– Norwich campus students & faculty

– Distance learning students

• Uses AOL Instant

Messenger.

– Morrisville campus students & faculty on campus

• Survey showed

95% of laptop users use AOL IM already.

– Students & faculty at home


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Morrisville College Library: New

Services – Remote Access

• Why?

• To allow students, faculty, and staff when off campus access equal to access on the campus network

• To allow distance learners taking our courses to use our databases and services.

• Fulfill licensing databases.

• How?

• Remote Authentication using Ezproxy.

• Authentication ensures all users are part of SUNY

Morrisville Community.


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Conclusions & the Future

• Changed Library

Instruction.

• Redesigned website to better fit laptop.

• Librarians using laptops and wireless.

• Proactive instead of reactive.

• Opportunities not problems.

• Participate in trials of Pocket PCs

• Carry instruction to the faculty and students; not just in the library any more.

• Need to use the new technology ourselves.

• Look at Bluetooth and other new things on the horizon.


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Rochester Institute of

Technology (RIT)

• 7 Colleges

• 12,500 students

• Diverse Programs

• AAS-Ph.D. programs

• Career-Oriented

• Technology based

Copyright RIT


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RIT: Wallace Library Stats

2000-01

• Holdings (vols.)

• Staff

• 44 permanent

• 120+ student workers

• Total Budget

• Subscription

• Books

• Electronic Media

400,000

$4.3 Million

$800,000

$300,000

$450,000

Copyright RIT Introduction to Wireless -- Bill

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RIT: Project Description

• Experiment with wireless

• Use Laptops

• Circulate from reserve desk

• Test for campus wide use

• Explore network management issue

Copyright RIT


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RIT: Project Description

Requirements

• Had to be:

– easy to use

– low maintenance

– flexible

– low cost

– scaleable

Copyright RIT


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RIT: WHY?

• Mobility possibilities

• Cost of fixed connections

• Service to users

• Experience with the technology

• Leadership on campus

Copyright RIT


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RIT: HOW: the big picture

• Ad hoc group- Library and

Computing

• Environment scan- on/off campus

• Tied into the Bookstore

• Test bed for broader initiative

• Raised general interest on campus

Copyright RIT


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RIT: HOW: operational view

• Systems Support:

– floor coverage

– IP allocations-DHCP

– security on hub

– insuring software stability

– additional hardware/ supplies

– software availability

Copyright RIT


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RIT: HOW: operational view

• Circulation Support

– length of time

– security

– replacement cost

– check out mechanics

– Recharge/refresh

Copyright RIT


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RIT: Results

• Lots of use

• Lots of good PR

• Lots of visibility for the library

• Puts us on the wireless path

• Leverage space- after hours

• Campus wide initiative

Copyright RIT


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RIT: Results: Circulation of laptops

• Checkouts Jan 1 -Sep 25, 2001

• > PC Laptop 1500

• > MAC Laptop 400

• roughly 220 a month

Copyright RIT


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RIT: Lessons Learned:

• Freedom/mobility

• Take advantage of laptops

• Flexibility of space and functionality

• Low cost

• Increased service

• Experience with the technology

Copyright RIT


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RIT: Lessons Learned

• Speed of connection

• Changing fast

• Does cost time and money

• Compatibility across other wireless devices

• Maintenance and user support

Copyright RIT


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RIT: Lessons Learned

• Sometimes it’s just luck

• Timing important

• Tie into community important

• Students are clever

• Students very receptive to the service

• Ahead of the user curve

Copyright RIT


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RIT: Futures

• Circulate cards

• Add more laptops and cheaper devices

• Campus wide installations

• Plan on upgrade

• Look at other standards

Copyright RIT


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University of Colorado, Health


• 8 Dell laptops with

Internet. wireless access to the

• Use own laptop on wireless network with card purchased from library.

• Use own laptop after getting own card registered in library.


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– Getting to Wireless

• 1. Library Director informed Department Heads that CU Technology Funds were available for small projects.

• 2. Education/LRC Department Head asked for ideas from department staff and faculty. Proposal for

Wireless Transmitters and 10 Laptops with NIC cards was chosen by Director and his cohorts in the Office of Academic Affairs as the most likely to be funded.

• 3. Specific budget information is put together -original budget needed boosting since ESS wanted to be included.


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• 4. Proposal is co-written by Director of

ESS and Education/LRC Dept. Head and approved for funding.

• 5. Campus Network Services gets involved

They feel that they need to approve the project and spend months on the following:

- telling us that we don't really understand wireless & that it won't work

- comparing and testing products

- finally, they approve the very product that we had originally proposed.


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• 6. Wireless Transmitters, Laptops,

NIC cards are ordered.

• 7. Wireless Transmitters are installed in the library and tested ad infinitum.


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• 8. Education/LRC Department spends months getting the laptops with NIC cards to work with our network, creating borrowing rules, creating instructional handouts, building a Web page, and holding Brown Bag sessions to introduce the service.


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• 9. Announcing to our users that we're ready to go...then waiting for people to check things out. We announced this service the week of June 18 and we've had 4 checked out so far -- not bad for summer session.

• 10. Project Status Report will be presented to Library Director in December of this year.

Comments from E-mail exchange with Lisa Traditi, lisa.traditi@uchsc.edu,

Head, Education and Learning Resources Center, Denison Library.


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Sciences Center, Denison

Library –

Possible Uses

•

•

•

•

•

•

Work in quieter areas of the library, eg Study Rooms, Back Stacks

Search citation databases in close proximity to the Denison journals collection

Save all your work to zip or floppy disks, eliminating the need to tote your own laptop

Software includes MS Office 2000, Netscape, Internet Explorer

Files may be saved to the c: drive, however the laptops will be cleaned up and files removed on a weekly basis.

Print to laser printer either in LRC or in 1st Floor Reference.

10¢/page with copy card


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•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•



Library – Policy

Library Use Only!

4 hour checkout, renewable twice

Checkout & Return in 3rd Floor LRC ONLY (not 1st floor Circulation Desk)

Never leave a laptop unattended

Every component of the laptop will be checked out on our system including power cord, peripherals

LAPTOPS MUST BE RETURNED AT LEAST 1 HOUR BEFORE LIBRARY CLOSING.

Legally, the laptops fall under the same laws as anything else you check out from the library. Laptops not returned will be sent to Collections. All users sign this statement when they get their library card:

"I acknowledge responsibility for library material borrowed on this card. I understand that I am liable for lost or damaged items and that fines may be assessed on overdue materials."

Users are liable for damages beyond normal wear and tear.


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•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•



Library – Observations

Connection speed seems faster than through conventional LAN

Windows 2000 is very reliable compared with Windows 9x

Nevertheless, it is a good idea to save early & save often, make backup copies of all files

Batteries will not be issued at full charge. Laptops charge while plugged in; they should charge for at least one hour before you work from the battery alone.

Count on a full battery running the laptop for 2-3 hours

Switching peripherals takes practice. There are instructions for this process included in the case. The CD-ROMs seem particularly tricky. The main problem with an incorrect switch is that the machine may lock up and you may lose data. A foolproof way to switch peripherals is to power down and switch, instead of trying to hot-swap.

The battery slots are different than the peripheral slots. You cannot put anything but a battery in the battery slot.

Switching batteries is a different procedure from switching peripherals.


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Library – Conclusions

Conclusion from final report:

This project has proven that a wireless network is a viable solution to the mobile needs of UCHSC users.

The areas of frustration and delay on this project can be attributed to a lack of interdepartmental communication and trust. LRC faculty and staff had to convince Information Systems staff that we were determined to go forward on this project and that we had done our homework. Lack of communication between Educational Support Services staff and LRC faculty and staff about hardwire and peripheral requirements resulted in delaying the date when the library could begin checking out the laptops. All of these issues could have been resolved through improved relationships with all parties involved. Once the hardware and network were fully installed, we have had very few problems.


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Laman Public Library

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Statistics*

• Founded 1945

• Pop: 64,388

• Circ: 230,037

• Income:

$1,532,913

• Holdings:

– Bks: 141,881

– Per Subs: 231

*From American library directory; : a classified list of libraries in the

United States and Canada, with personnel and statistical data.

New York,:Bowker .

2002.


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• Needed more computers but did not want more furniture nor more electrical wiring nor more conduits.

• Decided to go

“wireless”.


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• For library computers

BreezeCom: 802.11B.

• For “free” public network:

Linksys 802.11G

• 4 different WLANs

– Patrons: patron owned

Laptop/PDA to access

Internet

– OPAC & Internet access for patrons (library owned desktop computers)

– Word processing for patrons.

– Circulation terminals/ staff use.


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• Future –

– Wireless bridge between main library and branch.

– Video, voice, data

– New computers will all be on wireless network

• Conclusions-

– No down side


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Considerations

• Cost - Per seat cost can be lower.

• Speed - slower than some Ethernet wired LANs (<100 Mbps); Potential of

802.11a is over 100 Mbps.

• Wireless bandwidth is less than wired.

• Reliability - limited points of failure.

• Security – encryption. need to use same care as with wired network.


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Considerations

• Mobility - allows a user to move from access point to access point through a building without losing connectivity

• Compatibility - Products are PC focused and may not include Apple support.

• Interoperability Wi-Fi certified (will work with other WiFi certified equipment).


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Planning – some qualifiers

• Few libraries willing to share planning experiences.

• Few planning resources available.

• Small libraries do not need formal planning documents(?).

• Many libraries part of larger institutions and piggy backed on their efforts.


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Planning : LAN Requirements

• Coverage/Mobility

• Application

Requirements

• Number of Users

• End-User Device

Types

• Battery Longevity

• System

Interfaces

• Information

Security

• Environment

• Schedule

• Budget

From : http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/tip/1,289483,sid7_gci509511,00.html


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Planning –

10 Step Program

• From: “

Look Ma, No Wires! or The 10

Steps of Wireless Networking” by James L. "Larry" Glover ,

Computers in Libraries, Vol. 21, No. 3

March 2001

• Used with permission of Larry Glover and

Computers in Libraries


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Planning –

10 Step Program

• Step 1. Measure the building.

• Step 2. Map out your stationary computer stations

(i.e., four-top tables and such).

• Step 3. Compute your distances vs. bandwidth needs

(and remember to find out what's in your wall construction).

• Step 4. Check with your software vendors for any known "issues" regarding wireless transmission of their data. (This is not really a problem with anything in the last 3 years.)


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Planning –

10 Step Program

• Step 5. Order hardware and assorted supplies.

(Remember the assorted part.)

• Step 6. Pray to the gods of nerds and paychecks.

• Step 7. Install.

• Step 8. See step 6 again.

• Step 9. Turn it on.

• Step 10. Accept the praise of your colleagues and patrons and that nice big new pay raise.


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Resources: Discussion

Groups (LibWireless)

1. Send a blank email to:

• LibWireless-subscribe@ls.suny.edu

2. You will receive a subscription confirmation message. Just reply to this message and your subscription will be complete .


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http://people.morrisville.edu/~drewwe/wireless/libwireless.htm

Libwireless


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Resources: Wireless

Librarian Website

• http://people.morrisville.edu/~drewwe/wireless/

• Contains:

• Article bibliography; links to full text for some.

• Book bibliography

• Useful links

• List of libraries with wireless networks with links.

• Vendors with links

• More to come.


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http://people.morrisville.edu/~drewwe/wireless/


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http://wireless.lisnews.com/


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Resources:

Organizations -- Vendors,

Standards & Trade

• WLANA (Wireless LAN Association) – www.wlana.org

• WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility

Alliance) – www.wirelessethernet.org

• Wireless LAN Interoperability

Forum (WLIF) – www.wlif.com (?)

• More at: www.wlana.org/direct/matrix.htm


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The Future

• Wireless devices as the ultimate thin client.

• Devices talking to each other.

• Costs coming way down below wired

• Librarians using laptops and wireless.

• Carry instruction to the user; not just in the library any more.

• Use the new technology ourselves.

• Look at Bluetooth and other new things on the horizon.


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Future Growth


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Is this the future of wireless?


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