Copyright 2001 – Wireless-Nets, Ltd.Page 1 Public Wireless LAN Hotspots Applications and Technologies September 27, 2001 Presented by: Jim Geier Principal Consultant Wireless-Nets Consulting Services
Copyright 2001 – Wireless-Nets, Ltd.Page 2 Introduction – Public Wireless LANs Access point Public Facility Internet Services Open access Roaming AAA –Authentication –Authorization –Accounting Single bill Key Features
Copyright 2001 – Wireless-Nets, Ltd.Page 3 Benefits –High-speed Internet access (5 to 6 Mbps throughput) –Stay connected in more places –Convenience -- no waiting or hookups –Freedom of movement Costs –$150 for radio card –$20 for 120 minutes service (MobileStar) –Additional fees ($10 per day) from some hotspots Are the benefits worth the costs??? Hotel Airport Coffee Shop
Copyright 2001 – Wireless-Nets, Ltd.Page 4 Implications Limited number of hotspots –None in Dayton –Closest is at Hampton Inn Blue Ash (Cincinnati) –Less than 1,000 across U.S. –10,000 within two years Limited standards –Wireless LANs (IEEE ) are mature –Roaming and AAA standards are under development RF interference from 2.4 GHz wireless phones Security issues? Potential competition from 3G mobile phones?
Copyright 2001 – Wireless-Nets, Ltd.Page 5 Components and Operation Access Point End User Device w/ Radio Card Access Controller RADIUS Server Internet Private Virtual Network Hotspot Local ISP AAA Provider Settlement Access controller –Serves log-on screen to end user –Interfaces with RADIUS –Regulates communications with Internet services Broadband Connection
Copyright 2001 – Wireless-Nets, Ltd.Page 6 Technologies and Standards IEEE b Wireless LAN –11 Mbps data rates –2.4 GHz radio transmission –Direct sequence spread spectrum –WECA Wi-Fi certification WECA Wireless ISP Roaming (WISPr) –One service provider with one bill –End user costs similar to dial-up connections –Broadband level throughput –Universal Access and Smart Client Access points Radio Card AAA Hotspots ISPs WISPr
Copyright 2001 – Wireless-Nets, Ltd.Page 7 For more information… Online Guide to Wireless Networking – Free access to an archive of information on wireless networking, including articles, books, industry news, etc. ( Wireless-Nets Newsletter – Free newsletter sponsored by Wireless- Nets Consulting Services that keeps you up-to-date on changes in the wireless networking industry. ( Wireless LAN Workshop – October 16-18, 2001 – Cincinnati, Ohio. (