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.

1. WiFi for Mobile
Networks
Teresa Ulmer
EdTech 541

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

17. Potential Problems
 Security
 Encrypt data being transmitted
 Authenticate users
 Eliminate of rogue access points

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

19. WPA and WPA2

20. Virtual Private Networking (VPN)

21. Potential Problems
 Misuse

22. Resources
 Education World and Smith, R. (2011). Setting Up School WiFi Part II: Larger Networks. In Education World. Retrieved Sept 13, 2013, from
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/setting_up_school_wifi_part_2.shtml.
 Dannenfeldt, D. (1998-2013). How Portable Internet Devices Work?. In How Stuff Works. Retrieved Sept 13, 2013, from
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/portable-internet-devices.htm.
 undefined. (Nov 1, 2002). Classrooms with WiFi. In The Journal. Retrieved Sept 13, 2013, from
http://thejournal.com/articles/2002/11/01/classrooms-with-wifi.aspx.
 undefined. (undefined). Securing Wireless Networks. In Cisco. Retrieved Sept 13, 2013, from
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/solutions/collateral/ns339/ns639/ns642/net_customer_profile0900aecd803ee938.html.
 Mitchell, B. (2013). SSID: Service Set Identifier. In About.com. Retrieved Sept 14, 2013, from
http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wireless/g/bldef_ssid.htm.
 Shields, G. (Sept 21, 1012). 10 Things You Were Never Told about Wireless Network Planning. In Dell Software. Retrieved Sept 14, 2013, from
http://communities.quest.com/community/nms/blog/2012/09/21/10-things-you-were-never-told-about-wireless-network-planning.
 Undefined. (undefined). Securing your wifi network. In YouTube. Retrieved Sept 15, 2013, from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WHynHcXm7c
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e365