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A Publication Featuring The Information Services Technology of Maine State Government
| Volume IV, Issue 12 | December 2001 |
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The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is "funding a computer-training center at the Maine State Library that will be used for Continuing Education opportunities for the state’s libraries. Training may include, but not be limited to, technical network administration, basic Internet searching techniques, computer applications, and troubleshooting." Linda Lord, Director of Library Development
The Maine State Library received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for a computer training lab. We received from the grant foundation: 1 Gateway server; 12 Gateway Computers; 2 Laptops; 15 Ethernet cards; and an HP printer along with over $3,000 worth of MS software, pre-installed, per computer. I decided to go wireless for the small computer training lab.
We are using Enterasys (Cabletron) AP2000 Wireless Network (RoamAbout cards), and it is working great for the computer lab. Initially we installed 11 Mbps using the 802.11b wireless cards, but we will soon upgrade to 54 Mbps 802.11a cards and a new access card. The 54 Mbps can support many broadband applications, letting wireless users access the most demanding applications on the Internet. The Internet works fast, the same speed as our Ethernet cards. The wireless cards go from speeds of 1-6 Mbps from the access point box, but the speed slows down the farther away you go from the access box.
After 300 feet or more, speed is unacceptable for Internet searches, and you start to lose the signal. As long as you do not block the wireless cards, notebook computers work best from 50 to 200 feet – although their signal cannot go through steel walls or other obstacles. Generally, the Enterasys wireless card is similar to a cellular phone in how the radio frequencies work, only it uses a different bandwidth.
Art Cornell (from ValCom) and I installed the wireless system in less than 6 hours on 12 NT PCs, and 2 Notebooks. We also installed a 128-encryption code to enhance security. You cannot just walk into the Library with a wireless notebook and connect. You would need the encryption and password to login to our wireless network. The Enterasys access box is plugged into a Cisco switch. Our new Enterasys wireless system is connected to MSLN (Maine School and Library Network) and not on the State of Maine’s network.
In a simple workgroup environment, such as a computer lab or meeting/conference room, the wireless is a great solution. Brian Taylor at the Bureau of Information Services, has been testing the "real" enterprise environment, which is very different from a small Wlan (Wireless LAN) environment. Although we at the Maine State Library are pleased with the wireless solution for a small computer training lab, I would not recommend going completely wireless yet. If you work for a State of Maine agency please check with Brian (call 624-8805 or email brian.taylor@state.me.us) at the Bureau of Information Services before setting up a WLAN.
Dawna Leavitt is an Information Support Specialist for the Library, Museum and Archives. She may be reached with questions by e-mailing dawna.leavitt@state.me.us or if inter
