Wireless Computing Services

Citation

Ford, C.C. and Russell Lessick, S. (2002), "Wireless Computing Services", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 19 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/lhtn.2002.23919eaf.002

Wireless Computing Services

Wireless Computing Services

Collette C. Ford and Susan Russell Lessick

Introduction

In Fall 2000 the library at the University of California – Irvine (UCI) in partnership with the campus Network and Academic Computing Services (NACS) instituted a new wireless network project. The library had determined that such networks have many advantages, including the ability to be connected to the Internet using laptops or handheld devices from campus locations where wired Internet connections are not feasible, such as informal common areas, classrooms and outside areas around campus buildings. Additionally, wireless networks can be deployed in building and classroom areas that are difficult to wire.

The library appointed a task force to work with NACS to plan and implement the new wireless service. The library and NACS shared the costs for the implementation of the wireless service in the library. The Ad Hoc Task Force on New Wireless Computing Services was charged with recommending new wireless computing services, necessary equipment purchases, and facility changes needed in preparation for NACS' deployment of wireless technology in the library. Key tasks included:

• •

  Analyzing and recommending a plan for the main library to serve as a host site for faculty with laptops and wireless cards who would like to use wireless access to the Internet. Developing and recommending a publicity plan for the faculty wireless initiative.

• •

  Analyzing and recommending a plan for establishing two new pilot lending programs: circulating wireless cards and circulating wireless devices to students; recommending policies and procedures for circulating wireless cards and wireless laptops, and identify costs, maintenance, and service issues.

• •

  Identifying, evaluating, and recommending hardware and software for wireless devices that will be circulated to students.

• •

  Analyzing and recommending a plan for a portable wireless electronic classroom.

• •

  Identifying and recommending data collection procedures to be employed for the evaluation of the new wireless computing services.

• •

  Implementing wireless computing services per the recommendations above.

Wireless NetworkCampus wireless network

The NACS wireless network, called UCInet Mobile Access Service, parallels the existing wired infrastructure to supply the UCI campus community with a well-designed invisible network (http://www.nacs.uci.edu/ucinet/mobile/). The wireless network gives the campus community the ability to connect to the Internet using laptops from campus locations where wired connections are not feasible, such as informal common areas, classrooms, and outside areas around campus buildings. The network consists of strategically located wireless access points that are placed in ceilings of buildings. These access points are linked to the wired network and allow for connectivity by client radio transceivers, i.e. wireless network cards. Laptops with wireless cards within the range of an access point can access the campus backbone and the Internet without wires. The network meets the 2.4GHz, IEEE 802.11b Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum wireless Ethernet standard and offers data connection speeds of up to 11Mbps. The standards-based network supports connections from all network cards conforming to that standard. To ensure optimal security and performance of the shared wireless network, a special authentication system was developed by NACS. The system is based on MAC address (a unique 48-bit address for each wireless card) linked to a UCI user ID/password. Users are required to register their networking cards before connecting to the Internet through a campus access point or in any campus wireless access zone. Visitors to campus can not access the campus wireless network. Library wireless network

In the initial phase of the wireless initiative in Fall 2000, the library, in consultation with NACS decided to install wireless access points on three floors of the main library and in the Library Gateway Study Center. These areas were identified as the top priorities because they were high traffic areas where we needed to add more computers with network access and because of the difficulty of adding the necessary electrical and wired network connections to do so. NACS, together with the Library Systems Department and in consultation with the Task Force designed the placement of the wireless access points. This was of particular importance in the main library and in the Library Gateway Study Center where the construction design was a challenge. NACS was able to create a design that optimized the broadcast signal in each area.

Library wireless computing

As part of the planning effort, the library's Ad Hoc Task Force on New Wireless Computing Services investigated the wireless developments at other University of California campuses as well as other US universities. Few library wireless programs existed at that time. The task force did survey extant programs to solicit information on their wireless services. The results helped inform the task force planning process.

Wireless cards

The wireless pilot project has used 20 wireless ORiNOCO cards that were provided by NACS for the library's wireless lending program. Subsequently, the library received a donation of ten additional cards from D-Link Systems to enhance the project. Both D-Link (DWL650) and ORiNOCO (Silver) wireless cards each deliver high-speed wireless networking at 11Mbps, operating in the 2.4GHz unlicensed frequency and using the 802.11b IEEE standard. The wireless cards plug into the laptop PCMCIA slot.

Portable computers

The task force examined commercially available laptop and handheld computers. Our examination of the features of both devices helped us to define the level of computing resources we wished to offer our users. Handheld devices were found to be ill-suited to our needs since they lacked enough memory; had no hard drives, floppy or CD-ROM drives; required storage of files on a server in order to print or access at a later time; and had limited software. Having determined that a laptop would better meet our needs, the task force then examined the features of various laptop models. The task force concentrated on PC rather than Apple laptops because of the open market architecture that provided lower cost hardware and software. The task force recommended the Microsoft Office 98 operating system with either an AMD K6-2 or Intel Celeron CPU, rather than the more costly Intel Pentium. The task force suggested 32 or 64MB of RAM and a hard drive with 4-5GB. The task force also recommended display screens with Thin Film Transistor (TFT), also known as Active Matrix, since they are brighter and more easily read. Since this type of screen changes pixels faster than dual scan screens, the mouse icon would be drawn as the pointing device moved across the screen. The task force recommended both 3.5 floppy and 24X CD-ROM drives.

After lengthy discussions about the pros and cons, the task force decided that we wanted to promote a truly wireless environment for our users. Therefore, the laptops would not be lent with external mice or AC power adapters. Instead of a mouse for a pointing device, the task force recommended the touch pad as members found it easier to use than the pointing stick (eraser type) or track ball. The decision not to lend laptops with AC power adapters was informed in part by our facilities staff who were concerned that we did not have locations in the library that were wired with handy electrical outlets for laptop use and that laptop users would use the AC adapters in ways that could be hazardous to other library users.

One of the key decisions of the task force revolved around whether to purchase laptops with internal or removable batteries. Even though it limited our choice of laptop models, the task force decided that it preferred laptops with removable batteries and recommended that extra batteries and battery chargers be purchased. With internal batteries, it would have taken up to two hours to recharge the batteries and the laptop would have been out of circulation for that length of time. The purchase of additional external batteries would allow the laptops to circulate more frequently.

Based on the task force's recommended features, the library purchased ten Compaq Armada laptop computers with:

• •

  13.3in. TFT LCD Screen;

• •

  AMD 500MHz CPU;

• •

  64MB RAM;

• •

  24X CD;

• •

  3.5" Floppy Disk Drive;

• •

  Microsoft Windows 98;

• •

  11 extra removable batteries;

• •

  11 battery chargers.

The task force also recommended that the laptops be configured with the same basic software used in the campus computer labs including:

• •

  Microsoft Office 97: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;

• •

  Adobe Acrobat;

• •

  Netscape Communicator;

• •

  Internet Explorer;

• •

  Secure CRT;

• •

  Absolute FTP;

• •

  Windows Multimedia Player;

• •

  PowerArchiver 2000;

• •

  McAfee VirusScan.

Wireless laptop and card loan programs

The task force developed lending programs for both wireless laptops and cards. Wireless cards and laptops circulate to UCI students, faculty and staff with valid UCInetIDs. An UCInetID is a three to eight letter code based on a user's name that uniquely identifies the user at UCI. UCInetIDs are used to authorize a user, as a UCI affiliate, to gain access to UCI electronic services, such as e-mail and the wireless network (http://www.nacs.uci.edu/ucinetid/index.html) A library card and second photo ID are required to check out the wireless cards and laptops. The wireless cards or laptops can be taken out of the library and used anywhere on campus with wireless network access.

In order to use the wireless cards either in a library laptop or their own, users are required to register the wireless card's MAC address to their UCInetID via the NACS Mobile Access database (http://www.nacs.uci.edu/ucinet/mobile/registration.html). The MAC (Media Access Control) is a unique 48-bit address for each wireless card. The database retains their UCInetID and matching unique MAC address. Upon return of the wireless cards, library staff assist users with the de-registration of the wireless card's MAC address, so they can be used by others. In cases where the user does not de-register the card, NACS has developed a method for library staff to de-register the cards by proxy. NACS retains historical data about the use of the card. If there are breaches of network security, NACS will be able to track the breach to the MAC address and, using their Mobile Access database, to the specific UCInetID.

At the time of check out, all users must sign a Statement of Responsibility whereby they agree to be responsible for loss of or damage to the wireless card or laptop, to read the Wireless Guides prepared by the library, to register the wireless card to their UCInetID and to abide by the NACS Computing and Network Use Policy and all other applicable UCI policies (http://www.abs.uci.edu/depts/mailrec/uci-ppm/pols/714-18.html). They also agree to absolve the library from responsibility for any loss or corruption of data or damage through the use of the wireless cards or laptops. In addition, they agree that they understand that NACS can track their identity through the Mobile Access database if they have breached network security or violated the NACS Computing and Network Use Policy.

Wireless card lending program

Wireless cards circulate to UCI students, faculty and staff. Twelve wireless cards are available for loan. The initial loan period was two days, but the cards proved to be so popular that the library had waiting lists. The library switched to a 48 hour loan period in order to be able to tell users more accurately when the cards would be returned. Overdue wireless cards accrue fines at the rate of $2.00 (US) an hour, up to a total of $40.00 (US). When checking out the wireless card, library staff review the Statement of Responsibility with users. The user also is given a brochure detailing wireless card features, including the NACS registration procedures, network security issues, their responsibility to abide by the NACS Computing and Network Use Policy and wireless network locations on campus (http://www.lib.uci.edu/serv/cardguide.html).

Users are expected to be familiar with their laptop network settings. They also are expected to be able to install and de-install the wireless card software and drivers. In order to assist them with the installation process, users are given detailed instructions for configuring their personal laptops for use with the wireless card as well as a link to configuration information on the NACS Web site (http://www.nacs.uci.edu/ucinet/mobile/setup.html).

If the user is unable to configure their laptop for use with a library wireless card, the user can make an appointment for assistance with the library programmer/analyst (PA). The PA installs the card, performing the following tasks, as needed: fit the wireless card into the laptop; make note of any existing network configuration; install and configure the network drivers, if needed; resolve conflicts with the drivers already installed; assist the patron with NACS registration of the wireless card; and test the wireless card configuration. The PA determines if the drivers for use with the network card can be left on the patron's laptop or if the patron's original driver configuration needs to be restored. If the original driver configuration needs to be restored upon return of the wireless card, the PA makes an appointment to do so. The PA spends up to 30 minutes on these activities. The PA will not provide software support beyond that needed for the network drivers. If the PA is unable to resolve any problems, the user will be referred to the NACS Response Center. The above procedures were developed to deal with potential problems with wireless card installations. To date, users have not needed the in-depth support as anticipated by the task force and NACS. There have been few difficult technical questions asked by users. The PA has been able to answer all questions and has not had to refer anyone to the NACS Response Center for additional technical assistance.

Wireless laptop lending program

Wireless laptops circulate to UCI students, faculty and staff for two hours. Ten laptops with wireless cards are available for loan. The loan period was set at two hours since that is the average length of the charge on the battery. The laptops are truly wireless and circulate without external mice or AC power adapters. Overdue wireless laptops accrue fines at the rate of $2.00 (US) an hour, up to a total of $100.00 (US). When checking out a wireless laptop, Library staff review the Statement of Responsibility with users and go over a checklist of the laptop components, including wireless card, battery, floppy and CD-ROM drives, and carrying case. The user also is given a brochure detailing wireless laptop features, including the NACS registration procedures, network security issues, their responsibility to abide by the NACS Computing and Network Use Policy, and procedures for saving and printing documents, and wireless network locations on campus (http://www.lib.uci.edu/serv/laptopguide.html).

Upon return of the wireless laptops, library staff go over a checklist with the user to ensure that all laptop components have been returned and are in good condition. The battery is removed and placed in a recharger. The laptop is connected to the AC power adapter. Library staff then ghost the laptop image to reinstall the library's software and to remove any user-installed software and eliminate any viruses. The ghosting process takes approximately five to seven minutes. The laptop is disconnected from the AC adapter and a spare battery is inserted. The laptop is available for check-out again, usually within ten minutes of its return.

User and technical support

The task force worked out a detailed service support agreement with NACS to jointly provide complementary user and technical support services for the libraries wireless programs. It emphasized self-sufficiency for the library as an important part of the program, with the NACS Response Center providing backup and "3rd level user service and technical support" when referred by library staff under certain conditions. Additionally, procedures were established for handling cards that malfunction, with NACS providing spare and replacement cards. As mentioned above, this detailed level of support has not been needed by users.

The task force also developed Borrower's Guides and detailed documentation and instructions for using the laptops and installing wireless cards and software (http://www.lib.uci.edu/wireless/index.html). This documentation further augmented the documentation already on the NACS UCInet Mobile Access Web site (http://www.nacs.uci.edu/ucinet/mobile/).

Publicity plan

The task force placed a strong emphasis on good publicity and a widespread marketing campaign. This initially involved the development of target-specific brochures that were displayed at library service points and information carrels. The brochures included several more formal informational brochures and one "fun" brochure designed by library student employees. The latter was designed to appeal to UCI students. Large display posters also were created and displayed at the different wireless locations to advertise the program.

The task force used various means of communication to spread the word about wireless computing in the library. The services were announced on the library's home page banner and via a campus-wide e-mail to reach out to the faculty and staff on campus. Articles about the wireless loan programs were also written up in various campus publications and local newspapers.

Assessment of wireless computing program

The assessment of the wireless computing program is ongoing. NACS provides the task force with monthly statistics of usage by wireless locations as well as the distribution of use by student major and by department of faculty and staff. The task force also collects circulation statistics for the wireless cards and laptops. Early statistics show active use of the library wireless cards and laptops as well as the wireless network. Analysis of these statistics is underway.

Users have provided informal feedback throughout the project. Most anecdotal comments have been enthusiastic, with some constructive suggestions for improvement. The most common informal feedback is a request for additional wireless laptops and cards. In the Fall 2001, the task force began collecting data from users via surveys that are filled out by patrons after they return the laptops and cards. The analysis of these data is underway.

Library portable wireless electronic classroom

In addition to planning for and implementing the loan programs for the wireless cards and laptops, the task force was charged with planning for a portable wireless classroom. The task force investigated various methods for providing a "computer classroom on wheels." The task force developed a service which we termed the portable wireless electronic classroom (PWEC). The PWEC is a portable cart that contains laptops and wireless cards and an access point, which can be connected to the campus wireless network via an ethernet jack on the wall in selected library conference rooms. The PWEC gives library instructors and staff trainers the ability to convert conference rooms into computer classrooms, as needed. The PWEC has helped alleviate the increased demand for classroom space in the main library.

The PWEC, housed in a wheeled cart, is equipped with 11 laptops (one instructor and ten students) with wireless cards, batteries, an access point to connect with the wireless network, and optional mice. The PWEC also has a spare battery for each laptop and AC power adapters for use when the batteries are depleted during times of high use. Library staff recharge the batteries after each use and ghost the laptop image after each day of use. PWEC laptops are configured with the public computer lab applications, including Microsoft Office, Secure Telnet, Netscape, and Internet Explorer.

Conclusion

The library and NACS are committed to continuing our partnership to promote wireless computing to both UCI students and faculty. As part of the next phase of the wireless project, NACS recently installed wireless access points in the science library. The library has forwarded to NACS recommendations for the installation of additional wireless access points in the medical center library, main library and science library. The library has just purchased additional wireless laptops and cards to provide a loan program in the science library similar to that in the main library. The library has committed to gradually augmenting the number of laptops in the main and science libraries over the next several years.

Collette Ford (ccford@lib.uci.edu) is Multimedia Resources Center Librarian and Susan Lessick (slessick@lib.uci.edu) is Acting Associate University Librarian for Research and Instruction at the University of California, Irvine Libraries, Irvine, California, USA.