[gu-l] Use of broadband wireless Internet at City Univ. of Hong Kong
Tak Utsumi
utsumi@columbia.edu
Sat, 14 Apr 2001 14:07:17 +0000 (GMT)
<<April 14, 2001>>
Archived distributions can be retrieved as clicking Correspondenc" line in
our home page at <http://www.friends-partners.org/GLOSAS/>.
For those after 2/27/01, visit
<http://www.friends-paartners.org/mailman/listinfo.cgi>, and click any of gu
group to find the place of archives in the following page.
For Che Mok <ccpeter@cityu.edu.hk>
Roger Lee Boston <rboston@tenet.edu>
Mr. Barry McLarnon, P. Eng. <bm@hydra.carleton.ca>
Dear Peter:
===========
(1) Many, many thanks for your valuable msg.
(2) Sorry I cannot meet with you in Hong Kong.
Dear Roger:
===========
(3) I strongly suggest that you visit the web sites in Peter's msg.
This may help your installing wireless LAN units in your campus.
(4) BTW, you mentioned that you have spare transceiver and VSAT antenna
during our last phone conversation.
I wonder if you can spare them to our Filipino colleague.
I would greatly appreciate it if you can reply to me ASAP since I am
leaving for Cebu tomorrow. (During my stay in Taipei, I found that
there is a spare Ku band satellite transponder which can cover not
only Taiwan, but also mainland China and the Philippines. They are
willing to provide us with it for our experimental purpose.)
Dear Barry:
===========
(5) You may also be interested in visiting the webs in Peter's msg.
Best, Tak
****************************************
Subject: Re: Inquiry
Date: Friday, April 13, 2001 9:57 PM
From: Peter Mok <ccpeter@cityu.edu.hk>
Reply-To: ccpeter@cityu.edu.hk
To: Tak Utsumi <utsumi@columbia.edu>
Sorry that I forgot to add the domain name part of the server
http://www.cityu.edu.hk/csc/deptweb/facilities/ctnet/wlan/wlan-faq.htm
We haven't use any outdoor router. Since our campus is quite concentrated and
can be reached by fiber, we only add wireless access points at the network
nodes to cover WLAN access within the campus.
I have meetings on 17/4/2001, I am afraid I can't have timeto meet you that
date. However, I have kept for our reference some technical information of
Wireless communications and Wireless LAN communications, they are at:
http://cctpwww.cityu.edu.hk/network/l_wlan.htm
http://cctpwww.cityu.edu.hk/network/l_wireless.htm
I hope you can find that useful as a reference.
I have also cut and paste below a brief report of our phase 1 implemenation
done in summer 1999 for your reference. Right now, we have over 200 access
points covering all 180 classrooms and LTs and public area. Library is now
using Lucent product instead of RadioLAN. All classrooms have projectors and
screens installed. We now have a loan pool size of 500 notebooks and a pool
of WLAN PCMCIA cards.
Regards,
Peter
_________________________
The Plan
The wireless LAN service is an extension of the pilot test set up to enhance
the convenient network access and to facilitate teaching and learning
activities within the University. Starting from Semester B of 1999-2000,
high-speed wireless LAN infrastructure has been installed at various
designated areas within the campus. The coverage includes all 4/F and 5/F
classrooms, late reading room, selected area of all academic departments, the
Multimedia Room, student canteen and mall area on 4/F. A separate high-speed
wireless LAN service is also available in the Library areas. These wireless
LAN services allow access to all the multimedia services and applications
provided, including CityVOD, the Intranet and the Internet.
The Wireless Network
The Lucent WaveLAN product was chosen to implement the wireless LAN
infrastructure. The product was launched on November 25, 1999. The WaveLAN
product is a standards based (IEEE 802.11 HR), high coverage and secure
access wireless LAN product designed by Bell Labs technology. It offers 11
Mbps data connection. In our test, the effective throughput can reach as high
as 5.1 Mbps. This throughput can support the bandwidth demanding VOD service
which we are now using 1.5Mbps per video stream.
To provide the network connection, a Lucent Access Point (AP) - the WavePoint
II is connected to the wired network. This AP can communicate with the PCMCIA
antenna card - the WaveLAN PC Turbo 11MB card of the notebook computer
(client) through wireless communication of 2.4GHz radio frequency using
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology. The card has a small form
factor which facilitates mobile computing. Each AP can connect up to 125
clients depending on the bandwidth requirement of the network applications
used.
For security reason, Xylan switch is used to connect the APs with the campus
network. Besides providing switching connectivity, the switch also support
security protection using RADIUS authentication and checking of the
registered network address of the PCMCIA card.
The Classroom Environment
The Network
All 4/F and 5/F classrooms are provided with wireless LAN access, teaching
staff can bring their notebook computers to these classrooms to conduct their
classes/presentations/demonstrations. This wireless network provision is
particular useful for Web based instruction since only the web browser and
its plug-ins are required.
In addition, classrooms on 4/F (except for 3) are equiped with fix computer
connected to the Campus Network. An external fix-wire network port is also
available to support notebook presentation and demonstration.
Projectors and Projection Screens
While all classrooms are mounted with projection screens, all classrooms on
4/F (except for 3) and the following 18 classrooms on 5/F are installed with
fixed projectors (Barco Data 3200 LCD projectors, Sony VPL-X600U LCD
projectors or Davis DLX650 DLP projectors):
B5306, B5314, B5321, B5413, B5501, B5615, B5616,
G5304, G5409, G5410, G5416, G5503, G5508, G5511, G5612,
Y5513, Y5612, Y5709
If academic staff would like to teach with the wireless LAN in other
classrooms, they can borrow the portable projectors (Kodak DP1100) from the
FMO counter of the Audio Visual Unit located on the 2/F of the Academic
Building sharing the same entrance to the ELC. In fact, funding is now being
applied for the installation of projectors in all 5/F classrooms.
Wireless LAN Environment at Other Locations
The same wireless LAN service will be set up in the Late Reading Room, the
Multimedia Room, Student Canteen and 4/F Mall area. Locations of AP will be
carefully selected to provide the best coverage and bandwidth for wireless
LAN connection. We expect the installation of these APs be completed by the
end of February.
The Notebook Computer Loan Pool for Students
A loan pool of 200 notebook computers for a maximum loan period of 24 hours
is to be set up for students. Students can borrow one from the FMO counter
mentioned above for doing assignments, learning, or attending class if
necessary. There is no such provision for staff. Staff can, however, block
book up to 30 notebooks for class practical. Hopefully the loan service will
be ready by early March.
Using the Wireless LAN
The notebook computers in the loan pool will be set up with the necessary
wireless LAN network software. For security reason, wireless LAN requires the
users to go through the logon process. The CityLink Plus usename and password
is used for the authentication. When the notebook is booted up, a window
appears requesting the user to enter the username and the password. Users
should then supply the CityLink Plus username and password to logon to the
network. Upon successful logon, the DHCP server of the wireless LAN will
assign an IP to the notebook and the prompt window closed. The notebook can
then be used to access the Intranet or Internet services.
If the user wishes to use the notebook in a stand-alone environment, he/she
can just boot up the notebook, igore the window prompt or just close the
windows, bring up the intended application installed locally and continue
with his work.
Wireless LAN Environment at Academic Departments
APs for Department
One AP will be installed to each academic department. The department has to
specify the intended location of AP which will cover the most area and most
convenient for the staff. The installation of AP for wireless LAN in the
inidividual department is now in progress. The AP will share the same
wireless network with the same login environment as the classroom Wireless
LAN provision such that the staff can use it to prepare their teaching
materials with their notebook computers in their respective department.
Departments can purchase more APs if they find it necessary.
Purchase of Compatible Notebook Computers for staff
In order to fully utilise the wireless LAN, departments are advised to
acquire some notebook computers for the use of their academic staff, or
further encourage them to buy their own. Since some notebook computers in the
market may not be compatibile with our campus network and projectors, in
order to avoid any compatibility problem, please refer to information on the
notebook tested & identified list of compatible models provided. For some of
them such as those of IBM, Dell and Compaq, they can be purchased at a
reasonable costs from the University Computer Shop.
Purchase Information for WLAN Products
The purchase information are as followings:
The wireless LAN card - WaveLAN PC Turbo 11MB card, this card will be used
with the notebook computers to access the wireless LAN.
The Access Point - WavePoint II, this access point also requires one WaveLAN
PC Turbo 11MB card. When connected to the campus network, it will provide
wireless connections to the notebook clients.
Preparation for Using the Wireless LAN
Buying and Registering the Wireless Network Card
Departments can place order for the wireless LAN card and related software
and raise a CSC Wrok Request for the installation. All wireless LAN cards
have to be registered before they can connect to the Wireless LAN.
Setting up the notebook computers
Before the notebook computers can be used in our network, they need to be
Pre-installed with the wireless LAN card software and the necessary
authentication software
Inserted with a wireless LAN card
Configured to the right setting for the wireless LAN access
All notebook avaible for loan in the FMO counter have been set up for
wireless LAN access and wireless LAN cards are included.
Using the Wireless LAN
For security reason, wireless LAN requires the users to go through the logon
process. The CityLink Plus usename and password is used for the
authentication. When a notebook installed with proper software is booted up,
a window appears requesting the user to enter the username and the password.
Users should then supply the CityLink Plus username and password to logon to
the network. Upon successful logon, the DHCP server of the wireless LAN will
assign an IP to the notebook and the prompt window closed. The notebook can
then be used to access the Intranet or Internet services.
If the user wish to use the notebook in a stand-alone environment, he/she can
just boot up the notebook, igore the window prompt or just close the windows,
bring up the intended application installed locally and continue with his
work.
Wireless LAN Environment at the Library
The wireless network connectivity in Library is served in a closed
environment. The service is provided by the RadioLAN products which can
support 10 Mbps data connection. The effective throughput can reach as high
as 0.8 MB/s. Although the coverage of each AP and the penetration power of
the product is slightly less than the Lucent WaveLAN. A quantity of Compaq
Amada Pentium II 233 MHz notebooks will be avialable on loan to the library
users. Necessary network and application software will be pre-installed in
these notebook to make the use in Library easy. These notebooks are intended
to be used solely within the Library.
-----------------------------------------------------
Tak Utsumi wrote:
Dear Peter:
(1) Many thanks for your prompt reply.
(2) I could not visit the web you listed °X its URL may have some error.
However, I previously read about your project in Lucent°s web site.
(3) I am attaching a pdf file of Orinoco.
We will firstly try to connect the Polytechnic University of the Philippines
(PUP) and the St. Luke°s College of Medicine with broadband wireless
Internet °X they are about a few miles apart and in line of sight.
We hope that the second phase will be to follow your suit for the in-campus
use of the Orinoco in the PUP.
(4) Is it possible to visit you when I have time in Hong Kong transit? If
so, pls send me the directions. Thanks.
Best, Tak
****************************************
Distribution List
For Che Mok
Associate Director of Computing Services
City University of Hong Kong;Computing Services Centre
852 2788 8252
Fax: 852 2788 8281 (home)
ccpeter@cityu.edu.hk (Work)
Roger Lee Boston
Rockwell Chair/Instructor
Distance Education/Technology Center
Houston Community College System
4310 Dunlavy Street
P.O.Box 7849
Houston, Texas 77006
USA
Tel: +1-713-718 5224
Cell: +1-713-822-7476<<April 5, 2001>>Wrong number.
Fax: +1-713-664 0367
rboston@tenet.edu
boston_r@hccs.cc.tx.us (secondary)
http://www.rboston.com
http://www.teched.org/
http://tc1.hccs,cc,tx,us
http://www.teched.org/hist/iia.htm
Mr. Barry McLarnon, P. Eng.
2696 Regina Street
Ottawa, ON, Canada K2B 6Y1
Home: 613-820-3207
Fax: 613-820-3207 (call first)
Email: bm@hydra.carleton.ca
WWW: http://hydra.carleton.ca/info/wlan.html
**********************************************************************
* Takeshi Utsumi, Ph.D., P.E., Chairman, GLOSAS/USA *
* (GLObal Systems Analysis and Simulation Association in the U.S.A.) *
* Laureate of Lord Perry Award for Excellence in Distance Education *
* Founder of CAADE *
* (Consortium for Affordable and Accessible Distance Education) *
* President Emeritus and V.P. for Technology and Coordination of *
* Global University System (GUS) *
* 43-23 Colden Street, Flushing, NY 11355-3998, U.S.A. *
* Tel: 718-939-0928; Fax: 718-939-0656 (day time only--prefer email) *
* Email: utsumi@columbia.edu; Tax Exempt ID: 11-2999676 *
* http://www.friends-partners.org/GLOSAS/ *
**********************************************************************