Campus Wireless Network

Introduction

It is not just a trend any more to have wireless network in an entire campus but also a productive tool that every campus would like to have for easy access of information from any part of the campus. The campus wireless provides the mobility and accessibility to the information. The campus wireless got propelled by the security assurance and affordability. The user community is convinced that wireless network has the wired network equivalent security.

Typical requirement of Campus wireless

This can be generally categorized as:

1. Building to building wireless connectivity
2. WiFi for the entire or portion of the buildings
3. WiFi for Open space (such as ground, corridor, garden and so on) of the campus
4. Wireless users management

Proposed solution for connectivity among buildings

The building to building wireless connectivity can be achieved with the combination of

1. point-to-point wireless connection
2. point-to-multipoint wireless connection

If there are 10 buildings in a given campus and if all of them need to be interconnected, one can adopt the following options.

1. Connect most of them in point-to-multipoint mode and have 2 or 3 in point to point mode as shown in the diagram below
2. Create 2 sets of point-to-multipoint mode

Getting broadband Internet from other location

1. One can wirelessly bring the Internet from the nearest ISP. Let us say that Internet is available at a distance of 3 KM from your premises, keep one wireless unit at the point of Internet and another one at your complex. This point to point connectivity would help getting Internet bandwidth for your complex and if needed other neighboring complex too.
2. The point to point wireless connectivity is done using the following.

i. Keeping wireless units and antenna on the top of the building at both the ends

ii. Using Government de-licensed frequency (means Government has permitted anyone to use it freely) equipment

iii. Bring the line of sight (which is a must) by keeping a pole or as mast at both ends, if required.

Advantages of wireless solution

1. No cabling to individual rooms and floors and hence easy installation and flexible service.
2. IEEE standard based and hence guaranteed
1. Interoperability
2. Security
3. Mobility -- Internet at any part of your home and premises in the complex

1. Using laptop one can access Internet from anywhere.
2. Within complex, recreation hall, park area, etc.

Wireless Internet – Campus/Housing complex

Wireless units will be placed around the campus/complex wherever the coverage is needed.

Wireless Internet – Wireless Internet for multi-storied building

For multi-storied blocks, place the units outside the building and provide coverage. The wireless units are kept on a pole surrounding the buildings.

In case if out door installation is not desired, wireless Internet can be provided using indoor installations; ceiling mounting or wall mounting.

Security Features

When it comes to wireless, people are generally concerned about the security. Using the following security features can guarantee that security is not a problem at all.

• Access Control List using MAC address
• Turning off broadcast of SSID
• Authentication based on IEEE 802.1x
• Multiple SSID support
• Data integrity using encryption

Approach

Understand the requirement and budget for the project.

Survey by professionals to understand the number of units (Bill of Equipment) required to full-fill the requirement.

Once finalized, all required is time to install and commissioning.

Typical equipment and infrastructure requirement

1. Wireless units and antenna
2. Poles at strategic locations to install wireless units
3. CAT-5 cables to run from Internet point to wireless units. This may also be avoided but more wireless units required
4. Laptop typically will have wireless facility. If not, wireless clients cards are available for laptop and desktop.