[WEB4LIB] Re: Wireless Ethernet

[Tom Edelblute]

Downsides are not big ones, but here is my list.

1) No more than 20 wireless computers on any one antenna.  Even at this
number, we would problably overwhelm the unit.
2) 2 Mbps at a distance over 50 yards from the antanna but only if you
have no obstructions.  I know there is a point where it will not
transmit beyond, but that distance would be outside the facility we are
testing our equipment in.
3) 11 Mbps ceiling on wireless transmission making this insufficient for
streaming video. Gigabit ethernet fans need to look elsewhere.

-- 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tom Edelblute
Public Access Systems Coordinator
Anaheim Public Library   phone: (714) 765-1759
500 West Broadway        fax:   (714) 765-1730
Anaheim CA 92805         e-mail: thomas at anaheim.lib.ca.us

Caryn.Wesner at uspto.gov wrote:
> 
> Michael -
> 
> There's an article in the March 2001 Computers in Libraries (21(3):28-32) by
> James L. "Larry" Glover, called "Look Ma, No Wires! or, The 10 Steps of
> Wireless Networking."  His last section is titled "Downsides? Hmm? Anyone?"
> and he professes not to be able to find any.  I don't think this article is
> in their online version (although I can't check it right now), but hopefully
> you should be able to come up with a copy of the paper version.  Between
> that and a smattering of other articles I've read recently, I'd really think
> that wireless is the way to go.  Good luck!
> 
> Caryn S. Wesner-Early, MSLS
> Technical Information Specialist
> Biotechnology and Chemical Library
> U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
> Phone: (703) 308-4501
> Fax: (703) 308-4496
> caryn.wesner at uspto.gov
> 
> -----------original message------------
> Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 21:05:04 -0500 (CDT)
> From: Michael Dargan <darganm at maple.iren.net>
> To: web4lib <web4lib at library.berkeley.edu>
> Subject: Wireless Ethernet
> 
> Our library is contemplating a new building with construction starting in
> the Fall of 2002 with completion probably in early 2004.  We're looking at
> about 48,000 square feet and about 50 network nodes for webopacs, public,
> and staff Internet stations and printers.   (I predict this won't
> be enough).
> 
> We're in the midst of a heated debate.  I think that wireless
> ethernet might well be the way to go within two years or so.  Others tell
> me that wireless ethernet is "pie in the sky" and that to be on the safe
> side we should run miles of Cat 5.
> 
> Are there any libraries on this list who have gone wireless?  If so, are
> you glad you did?  Or not?
> 
> If you reply to me off list with Yes, No, or maybe I'll compile the
> answers and will publish.  Amusing anecdotes and horror stories
> are welcome.
> 
> I'm especially interested in knowing of anyone who lost his or her job
> because of choosing wireless.
> 
> ---
> Michael J. Dargan                               office: 319 291 4496
> Technical Systems Administrator                    fax: 319 291 6736
> Waterloo and Cedar Falls Public Libraries         Waterloo, IA 50701