Augmenting Marshall University’ s Current Campus Wired Network with Wireless Local

Area Networking

Stephen J. Robinson

Information Technology Management

Marshall University

Abstract

This examines the feasibility of wireless local area networking for data communications to augment Marshall University’s wired campus network. This assessment considers the university’s need to wireless enhancements, the current status of WLAN technology, the advantages/disadvantages of augmenting existing infrastructures with the technology, WLAN market trends, costs of the technology, and other institutions’ experiences with wireless local area networking. Information sources that the author used include WLAN vendors, industry leaders, standards’ committees, and members of Marshall University’s Strategic Planning Committee and Marshall University’s Strategic Action Plan. The author concludes that Marshall University should further investigate and test the technology and start to develop relationships with vendors for future applications.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1
Background and Technology of Wireless Local Area Networking 1
Reason for the Standard 2
WLAN Technology Overview 3
WLAN Disadvantages 4
The Marshall University Campus Wired LAN 5
University Computing Needs 7
Marshall University’s Current WLAN Situation 7
Marshall University’s WLAN Plans for the Future 8
The WLAN Market Trend 10
Case Studies and Survey Results 12
Saltus Grammar School 12
Decision Factors and Requirements 13
Approach Taken 14
Critical Success Factors and Overall Results 15
Princeton University 15
Pushing the Limits of New Technology 16
Aironet Aces Princeton’s Initial Wireless Exam 18
Surveys and Cost/Benefit Analysis Conducted By Industry Leaders 19
RECOMMENDATIONS 22
WLAN Technology 22
Marshall University’s Wireless Outlook 23
WLAN Implementation Recommendations 23
Outside Wireless Access 23
Fraternity/Sorority House Access 24
Classroom Access 25
Conference/Presentation Room Access 25
Residence Hall Access 26
Remote Campus Access 26
WLAN Market Trends 27
APPENDIXA 31
APPENDIX B 39
APPENDIX C 40
APPENDIX D 41
APPENDIX E 42
APPENDIX F 43
APPENDIX G 44
APPENDIX H 45
APPENDIX I 46
APPENDIX J 48

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APPENDIX K 51
APPENDIX L 53
APPENDIX M 54
APPENDIX N 63
APPENDIX 0 64
APPENDIX P 65

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Abstract
This examines the feasibility of wireless local area networking (WLAN) for data

communications to augment Marshall University’s current wired campus network. This assessment considers the university’s need for wireless enhancements, the current status of WLAN technology, the advantages/disadvantages of augmenting existing infrastructures with the technology, WLAN market trends, costs of the technology, and other institutions’ experiences with wireless local area networking. Information sources that the author used include WLAN vendors, industry leaders, standards committees, and members of Marshall University’s Strategic Planning Committee and Marshall University’s Strategic Action Plan.

The author concludes that Marshall University should further investigate and test the technology and start to develop relationships with vendors for future

applications.

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