This document discusses WiFi networks for high school classrooms. It begins by explaining what WiFi is and how it works to connect wireless devices to the internet through access points. It then discusses the benefits of implementing a WiFi network in a high school, such as enabling data sharing, internet access for research, and use of educational tools. The document outlines 8 steps for integrating a WiFi network, including identifying users, defining coverage areas, planning network layout and installing access points. Potential problems that could arise are also addressed, such as ensuring adequate coverage, capacity and security of the network.
2. What is WiFi?
“Wireless Fidelity”
Wireless communication between a computer
and an Access Point (AP) and the Internet
3. What is WiFi?
Antenna
transmits
radio waves
Access point
sends info to the
Internet
Wireless Adaptor
converts data
into radio waves
Access Point
(connected to LAN)
translates radio waves
into data
Internet
responds to
data
Internet data
travels to Access
Points
AP sends
data in form
of radio
waves to
wireless
devices
4. What is WiFi?
One access point
connects several
devices to the
Internet
If AP fail or if too
many people try to
use high-bandwidth
applications
simultaneously
Interference can
occur
Connections can be
lost
5. Why have WiFi in High School
Classrooms?
Data Sharing
Access to Internet for Research
Access to Tools that Enhance Learning
Graphing calculators
Simulations
Virtual labs
E-books
Student response systems
Improves Classroom Communication
ALLOWS FOR:
6. Steps for integrating a WiFi
Network in a High School
1. Identify users
Who will the network serve?
Students
Teachers
Administrators
Counselors
Support staff
Guests
7. Steps for integrating a WiFi
Network in a High School
2. Define coverage area
Where are the people who will be served by the
network?
classrooms
media center
cafeteria
common areas
offices
outside of buildings
gymnasium
sports fields
8. Steps for integrating a WiFi
Network in a High School
3. Determine uses for the network
What are the users going to do on the
wireless network?
Gather/organize student data
Grade students
Communication
Research
Planning/prepping for courses
Using educational tools
9. Steps for integrating a WiFi
Network in a High School
4. Plan for growth
How many users will be accessing the
network (today and in the future)?
Students
Staff
Guests
10. Steps for integrating a WiFi
Network in a High School
5. Determine network layout
a. How many access points (AP) will be
needed
Each AP supports a set number of devices
b. Where the AP should be located
Each AP needs an Ethernet cable and power
11. Steps for integrating a WiFi
Network in a High School
6. Install Access Points and Connect them to
the Network
Modem
(Cable/DSL)Internet
Router Wireless
Access
Point (WAP)
Clients
12. Steps for integrating a WiFi
Network in a High School
7. Configure network
Set SSID (service set identifier)for the Network
Unique name of wireless local area network
(WLAN)
Case-sensitive sequence of alphanumeric
characters (up to 32)
Enable encryption (WPA-PSK2 etc.) and
“password” to allow only authorized devices to
access the network
Set WAPs with same SSID and encryption set
Push configurations from a central controller
or configure each individual AP
13. Steps for integrating a WiFi
Network in a High School
8. Test the network and
trouble shoot
Dead zones
Interference (file
cabinets; lockers;
microwaves; building
materials
Performance issues (low
speeds, etc. requires
software tools)
Move WAPs to achieve
optimal
coverage/performance
14. Steps for integrating a WiFi
Network in a High School
9. Provide access to the network
Students
Teachers
Administrators
Counselors
Support staff
Guests
15. Potential Problems
Should overlap
# of APs required to provide wireless coverage in
desired locations
Coverage
16. Potential Problems
Depends on usage (can be projected using packet analyzer
software)
# of APs required to provide the minimum acceptable data
rates
min data rate = size of cell = Access Points
Capacity
18. Potential Problems
Security
Needs depend on the type of WLAN you're
accessing and the level of data encryption
required
Three options for secure WLAN encryption and
authentication:
1. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
2. Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
3. Virtual Private Networking (VPN)
effective security for mobile users accessing the
network
