Stout Local Area Wireless Network Proposal

Steve Krueger Capella University TS7000 Technical Communications Professor Daniel Hirsshorn

April 25, 2003

Table of Contents
Executive Summary. Introduction.. Wireless Benefits. Mobility Flexibility Scalability Reduced Costs Interoperability Wireless Drawbacks Connection Speed/Rate Range Interference Acquisition Costs Security IEEE Wireless LAN Standards 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g Security Measures Service Set Identifier Authentication Coverage Area. Building Coverage Outside Coverage Project SLAWN Total Estimated Costs.. Conclusion... References

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List of Figures
Figure 1. Stage One Costs. Figure 2. Stage Two Costs. Figure 3. Overall Costs. 15 16 16

List of Tables
Table 1. Question One Results Table 2. Question Two Results... Table 3. IEEE Standards. Table 4. Access Point Coverage.. Table 5. Cisco Bridge Antenna Table 6. Timetable... 7 7 11 13 14 15

Executive Summary
This proposal recommends the implementation of Project SLAWN (Stout Local Area Wireless Network) at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. The following information and recommendations are necessary for the university to stay on the cutting-edge of todays campus technology. Problem The University of Wisconsin-Stout is known to many, as one of the better technical universities in the Midwest. UW-Stout offers excellent programs in telecommunications, computer science, information technology education, and engineering (software, manufacturing, packaging, civil, electrical, and chemical engineering). In order to maintain this reputation, it is imperative that UW-Stout looks to implement a campus wide wireless network. Wireless technology has come to the forefront of computer technology in the last few years. Many universities have or are in the process of installing this new technology university wide. Universities like MinnesotaCrookston, Winona State, and Northern Michigan have been the Midwest leaders in campus wireless technology. UW-Stout must look to stay competitive, especially with those in the UW system. Currently, there are five other institutions in the UW system looking to introduce some level of wireless access in the next few years. These universities are; Stevens Point, LaCrosse, Whitewater, Oshkosh, and Eau Claire. Advantages Mobility Scalability Reduced Long-term Costs Easy Installation Flexibility Interoperable Increased Enrollment Higher Student Retention Rates Reputation Project SLAWN The implementation of Project SLAWN will be completed in three stages. The first stage will take place from May through July of 2003, where all thirteen buildings will be surveyed and 250 access points will be installed. The second stage will be completed with the remainder of the summer through September. The bridge antenna locations will

also be surveyed and installed. The final stage will completed during the remainder of the fall 2003 semester. Network configuration, security measures, and test analysis will take place during the final stage. Bugs and other problems will also be addressed during the final stage of implementation Infrastructure requirements will be very limited. Project SLAWN is an extension of the existing Wired LAN. The Wired LAN will exist as the backbone of the whole entire network. UW-Stout has built a very strong Wired LAN and, therefore, does not require many adjustments or additions. A few new ports to handle the increased number of users that will be constantly connected may be needed. This is a minimal expenditure and will not be decided until networking tests are performed. Cisco wireless technology products will be used in Project SLAWN. A total of 250 access points and eight bridge antennas will be required to give the UW-Stout campus the necessary campus-wide coverage. The access points will be installed in every classroom in all nine academic buildings. They will also be installed in the Student Center, Library Center, M. Price Commons, and the Athletic Department, including the Johnson Fieldhouse and Multi-purpose Gym.

Introduction
Who wants to surf the web, check e-mail, and do other network-dependent work without being confined to a computer lab or desk? Wireless devices from hand-held assistants like Palm Pilots, to laptop computers, to cellular phones with Internet capabilities have exploded in popularity in the last few years. Over 50 universities across the United States currently have implemented wireless networks and require a laptop computer for new students enrolled in their programs. In the Midwest, the University of Minnesota-Crookston, Winona State University, and Northern Michigan University are some of the institutions that have paved the way in campus wireless technology. The impacts that this requirement has had on these universities include: increased freshman to sophomore retention of 89-94 percent (Wake Forest University); increased applications for admission (University of Minnesota-Crookston, Winona State University, and Northern Michigan University); favorable parent satisfaction levels (Northern Michigan University); and increased instructional effectiveness and fostered a responsive learning environment (Valley City State University).

Wireless technology has gotten so popular at universities across the nation that it has moved into the mainstream and prospective students now look for it as criteria for enrollment. Campus Survey In a recent survey, conducted by the students of Professor Bob Couhlsons network management 2003 fall semester course, 1500 random students and 75 faculty members from nine different programs were asked if they would be in favor of a campus wide wireless network. The three survey questions and their respective results are as follows: 1. Would you support a university wide wireless network project, where students and faculty could access the Internet almost anywhere on campus? Table 1 Question One Results
Students (1170) Faculty (75) Totals (1575) Yes 78% 68% 77.5% No 13% 11% 12.5% Neutral 9% 21% 10%

2. If you answered yes to the first question please also answer this one, otherwise leave it blank, faculty included. Would you still support a university wide wireless network project if most existing students and all new incoming students were required to rent a laptop computer and buy a network interface card? (Cost would be roughly $70 a semester which would be included in tuition costs) Table 2 Question Two Results
Students (1170 of 1500) Faculty (51 of 75) Totals (1221 of 1575) Yes 95% 100% 95.5% No 2% 0% 2% Neutral 3% 0% 3%

These results show a vast majority of UW-Stout students and faculty that would support, conceptually and financially, the implementation of a campus wide wireless local area network. Receiving support from faculty and the student body is a very much needed for the success of this project. The following information will explain the benefits and drawbacks of wireless technology, wireless standards, security measures, and cost analysis.

Wireless Benefits
Mobility This is probably the biggest benefit of Wireless LANs. Indoor wireless solutions offer roaming ranges from 100 to several hundred feet from an access point. Outdoor wireless systems offer ranges up to 15 miles. WLANs provide users with access to real-time information anywhere on campus. This mobility supports productivity and service opportunities not possible with wired networks. Flexibility Students and faculty can connect wherever they need access rather than in designated computer laboratories. This can also create flexible classroom layouts. No more large immobile desks with those large desktop computers and all their accessories. Managing time becomes easier because there is no need to set a side time to travel to and from computer laboratories. Scalability The Wireless LAN can grow as needed. Its very easy to install an access point or outside antenna in order to create better reception in possible dead zones or to expand the coverage area. No cable to lay and no need to predetermine where and how many data ports to install. Reduced Costs Over the long run, Wireless LANs cost less to own and maintain versus Wired LANs. Less is spent when offices or classrooms are reconfigured or as the campus grows. While the initial acquisition costs required for Wireless LAN hardware are higher than the cost of a Wired LAN, overall installation expenses, maintenance costs, and life-cycle costs can be significantly lower. Costs will be broken down and listed in more detail later in the report. Interoperability Students and faculty can mix WLAN products from multiple vendors. Wireless network manufacturers have products designed to the IEEE 802.11 industry standard. This ensures that wireless network solutions will function with other wireless-standard compliant equipment within the network. We will not be tied down by just one vendor and their respective products once the project begins and after it is completed.

Wireless Drawbacks
Connection Speed/Rate Wireless devices are almost always slower than the same network using a wired configuration. Wired LANs can transfer data at a rate up to 100Mbps, while Wireless LANs usually transfer data at a rate up to 11Mbps depending on the IEEE 802.11 standard being used. But Wireless LANs are fast enough to run almost all applications. Range Wireless LANs can transmit up to 300 feet without losing connection but this distance reduces every time the data rate increases. The higher the data rate the shorter the range. High data rates are usually caused from the number of users accessing a single access point. Range can be increased though with the installation of more access points. Interference Natural and unnatural elements can cause interference problems with a Wireless LAN. Interference can be caused from cordless or cellular phones and microwaves that operate on the same frequency band. These frequencies are unlicensed so a lot of people are looking to develop devices within this range. Other wireless access points, outside the campus wide network, can also use the same band. Natural elements like concrete blocks, steel stop signals, and water can create a lot of interference to a WLAN. The radio signals can not move through concrete block like that of a dormitory. These signals can also be stopped or scrambled from some metal objects. Some materials found in ductwork and even stained glass windows can present problems because they contain lead. Water also stops radio signals. Since humans are about 60 percent water, a high population density can affect a signal. Acquisition Costs Wireless technology is still relatively new and prices have just recently started to decline enough to be considered cost effective to public institutions. Even though prices have declined considerably in the past few years, the acquisition costs of an entire wireless network are approximately 10-15 percent greater than the same wired network. The extra acquisition costs are quickly recovered though, in installation labor costs. Security A Wireless LANs lack of wires is also an advantage for hackers, theoretically allowing them to gain access to user credentials simply by intercepting the WLAN broadcast waves. There is no need to plug in or log on to anything in order to gain access. Even

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though past WLAN security schemes have proven that they are easy to crack, there are new and improved security measures that are presently entering the market. Authentication processes that require users to authenticate periodically are one security measure that may prove to drastically reduce hack-ins.

IEEE Wireless LAN Standards

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE), 802.11 specifications are wireless standards that specify an over-the-air interface between a wireless client and a base station or access point. The 802.11 standards can be compared to the IEEE 802.3 standard for Ethernet for wired LANs. The IEEE 802.11 specifications address the Physical (PHY) and Media Access Control (MAC) layers and are tailored to resolve compatibility issues between manufacturers of Wireless LAN equipment. There are currently three versions of IEEE 802.11x technology; 802.11b, 802.11a, and 802.11g. Millions of people and businesses have installed 802.11b networks, also known as Wi-Fi networks, in the past couple years. The two newer versions, 802.11a and 802.11g, have some advantages over 802.11b but the high cost may not be worth it. IEEE 802.11b This is the most popular standard for wireless networking which runs on three channels in 2.4GHz band, an unlicensed spectrum. It shares the spectrum with other 2.4GHz technology like cordless phones and microwave ovens. It transfers data up to 11 megabits per second per channel, at distances up to 300 feet. See Appendix B IEEE 802.11a This version runs on 12 channels in a 5GHz spectrum. Running in a 5GHz spectrum reduces a lot of the interference issues of 802.11b but the rage at which data can transfer reduces greatly, from around 300 feet to somewhere around 100-150 feet. But within the 150 feet, this version transfers data up to five times faster than b. See Appendix A IEEE 802.11g This last version has just introduced itself to the wireless networking market. This version is a compliment of both b and a. 802.11g runs on three channels in a 2.4GHz spectrum but transfers data up to five times faster than b. It also is more secure and it interoperable with b. See Appendix C

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Table 3 IEEE Standards

Spectrum Band 2.4GHz 5GHz 2.4GHz Number Channels 3 12 3 Data Transfer Rate 11MBps 56MBps 56MBps Security Level Low Medium Medium Interoperable Yes No Yes Estimated Cost/Per $400 $575 $650

802.11b 802.11a 802.11g

Recommendation Project SLAWN will utilize the IEEE 802.11g standards. While a and b both have their own unique advantages, g is the best of both. There are two main disadvantages of 802.11a standards when compared to the standards of g. not interoperable, limits flexibility and scalability reduced coverage area, 5GHz band reduces transmission distance Although 802.11b has a lower cost per unit than g, the disadvantages of b are not worth the difference in price. 802.11g has also just been released and its costs will decline, as all new technology does. low data transfer rate, some applications can not run on only 11MBps (which usually only runs at 3-4MBps) low security level, security issues were not been addressed as well in this first version, g contains added layers of security

Security Measures
Wireless LANs are known to lack the necessary enterprise level security tools that a Wired LAN possesses. But there are still adequate security measures included in the standards which can be employed to help make a wireless network more secure. Service Set Identifier The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is meant to differentiate networks from one another. Initially, access points come set to a default depending on the manufacturer. Since these default settings are so well known, it makes it very easy to detect the network. These settings must be changed from their default. But a common mistake is setting the SSID to something meaningful such as the access points location or department. This makes it too easy to guess and obtain access. The SSID for Project SLAWN will be given a strong

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password which is long, non-meaningful strings of characters including letters, numbers, and also symbols. This is a first level security measure and it does not offer much protection to who gains access to the network, but taking this measurement can make it harder for intruders to know what exactly they are looking at. Authentication 802.11x networks use two authentication methods: open-system authentication and shared-key authentication. In both cases, the client must begin a dialogue before communication with the access point begins. Using open authentication allows anyone to communicate with the access point, no real authentication is required. Using shared-key authentication allows only those with the correct password to gain access to the network. Shared-key authentication adds an extra layer of keyed security. These passwords are WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encrypted with a secret 40 bit number. Project SLAWN will use the shared-key authentication method, allowing only those with a correct user name and password to gain access to the network. The network security of Project SLAWN will be a continuous effort though. Updating and replacing ineffective wireless technology, in order to keep our network safe.

Coverage Area
Buildings & Classrooms The Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Point will be used for this project. These access points will be placed on the ceilings of hallways, classrooms, and study lounges in order, to maximize connection rates. There are twenty-two buildings on campus but only about half of them will be able to be part of Project SLAWN. All dormitories will keep their wired Ethernet connections because of interference problems. The concrete walls of the dormitories do not promote good reception with a wireless network and there are too many rooms to install an access point into each and every one. Our focus is classrooms, study lounges, and outside areas with high density student and faculty populations. There are thirteen buildings that require wireless access. The goal is for every classroom and study lounge in these thirteen buildings be able to access the wireless network. The following table gives a breakdown for each building and what is required to achieve this goal.

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Table 4 Access Point Coverage Number Number of Number of Total # Est. Total of Floors Classrooms Study Areas of APs Cost of APs 4 24 4 28 $18,200 Bowman Hall 5 35 5 40 $26,000 Harvey Hall 3 24 2 26 $16,900 Millennium Hall 2 15 3 18 $11,700 Fryklund Hall 3 22 4 26 $16,900 McCalmont Hall 2 16 2 18 $11,700 Jarvis Hall 2 14 3 17 $11,050 Micheels Hall 2 10 3 13 $8,450 Applied Arts 1 17 $11,050 4 0 See Below Library Center 3 18 4 22 $14,300 Home Economics 10 $6,500 2 0 See Below2 Student Center 2 0 3 3 $1,950 M.Price Commons 3 13 $8,450 2 7 See Below Athletics Dept. Totals 36 196 33 250 $162,500 1) The Library Center does not contain any rooms. Each floor of the library is wide open space, with limited obstacles and walls. In order to make the whole building wireless, there will only need to be 16 access points installed. The top three floors will have four access points installed on each but the first floor will need five access points to be installed because of high density student activity. 2) The Memorial Student Center contains two cafeterias (Terrace and Pawn Shop), five conference rooms, and two study areas. There will be a total of ten access points installed; one in each conference room, one in each study area, two in the Terrace and one in the Pawn Shop. It is difficult to estimate the number of students that will use the network in the Terrace at this time; there may be a need for an additional access point in this area. 3) The Athletics Department will also have building wide access. In order to accomplish this, there will be 13 access points required. They will be installed in these areas; one in each of the seven classrooms, one in Johnson Fieldhouse, two in the Multi-purpose Gym, and three in the Great Hall. Outside Besides access inside buildings and their classrooms, there is a need for access outside as well. Eight bridge antennas are required to cover the entire campus in order to maintain the level of wireless transfer rates needed at 11MBps. These antennas will be placed at locations that will maximize their transmission range and will, in effect, maximize data transfer rates and keep students connected at the necessary rates. The Cisco Aironet Bridge Antennas, model AIR-ANT2506, will be used. The table below gives the features of this model antenna.

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Table 5 Cisco Bridge Antenna Cisco Aironet Bridge AIRANT2506 Omni-directional mast mounted unit Outdoor medium-range point to multipoint 12 dBi 5000 feet

Description Application

Gain Approx. Range at 2MBps1 Approx. Range at 1580 feet 1 11MBps Cable Length 3 feet Weight 6 ounces Est. Cost per Unit $750 1. The approximate ranges above are based on the use of 50 foot low-loss cable and the same type of antenna at each end of the connection under ideal outdoor conditions. The eight bridge antennas will be placed on the roofs, for maximum range, of the eight following structures: See Appendix D Don and Nora William Stadium Johnson Fieldhouse South Hall Micheels Hall North Hall Library Center Millennium Hall Harvey Hall

Project SLAWN Total Estimated Costs

The implementation of Project SLAWN will be completed in three stages. The first stage will take place from May through July of 2003, where all thirteen buildings will be surveyed and 250 access points will be installed. The second stage will be completed with the remainder of the summer through September. The bridge antenna locations will also be surveyed and installed. The final stage will completed during the remainder of the fall 2003 semester. Network configuration, security measures, and test analysis will take place during the final stage. Bugs and other problems will also be addressed during

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the final stage of implementation. The following table illustrates the schedule of events or tasks that will take place for the successful completion of this project. Table 6 Timetable Stage 1 May - July Stage 2 August - September Stage 3 October February

Survey Buildings Install Access Points Survey Antenna Locations Install Bridge Antennas Network Configuration Network Analysis End-User Analysis Infrastructure Additions1 1. Possible infrastructure additions or upgrade depend on end-user analysis and may not be necessary for implementation of Project SLAWN. The following tables breakdown the total costs for each stage along with the overall cost for Project SLAWN. Figure 1 Stage One Costs May July of 2003 Survey 13 buildings @ $5,000 ea Purchase 250 access points @ $650 ea Install 250 access points @ $900 ea1 TOTAL COST $ 65,000 162,500 225,000

$ 452,500

1. Estimated installation costs include electrical power, wired network drop, and labor costs

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Figure 2 Stage Two Costs August September of 2003 Survey 8 antenna locations @ $1,500 ea Purchase 8 bridge antennas @ $750 ea Install 8 bridge antennas @ $1,000 ea1 TOTAL COST $ 12,000 6,000 8,000 26,000

1. Estimated installation costs include electrical power, wired network drop, and labor costs Figure 3 Overall Costs Total Costs Stage 1: Access Points Stage 2: Bridge Antennas Operations Staff @ 40K each per year1 TOTAL COST $ 452,500 26,000 120,000 $ 598,500

1. Managing the installation would be done by the operations staff members

Conclusion
The approval and implementation of Project SLAWN is a must for the University of Wisconsin-Stout. It will keep UW-Stout competitive among the top technical institutions in the Midwest, while giving the students and faculty higher standards for education. The project will cost just over a half a million dollars and can be fully operational in just under ten months. Wireless access would be available campus wide, from Harvey Hall to the Student Center to Johnson Fieldhouse. Thirteen buildings would have access throughout, including all classrooms, study lounges, and offices. The University of Wisconsin-Stout has a responsibility to its students, to offer the best educational environment available and to uphold its great reputation. I recommend that Project SLAWN is approved and implemented, here at UW-Stout.

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Appendix A

Standard 802.11a

Building: Bowman Hall 1st Floor Within the colors gives signal power

Red 54Mbps/-50dBi Yellow 24Mbps/-70dBi Green 6Mbps/-90dBi

Note: The green border is beyond what Stout guarantees but there are enough signals to send and receive packets

Antenna Settings for 802.11a

Signal strength setting is maxed at 40mW The Cisco 1200 access points operate with fixed antennas with a 6-dBi gain Antenna is setup for omni coverage

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Appendix B

Standard 802.11b

Building: Bowman Hall 1st Floor Within the colors gives signal power:

Red 11Mbps/-50dBi Yellow 5.5Mbps/-70dBi Green 1Mbps/-90dBi

Note: The green border is beyond what UW-Stout guarantees but there are enough signals to send and receive packets.

Antenna Settings for 802.11b

Signal strength setting is maxed at 100mW The Cisco 1200 access point above is operating with a 2.2-dBi gain antenna Antenna is setup for omni coverage

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Appendix C

Standard 802.11g

Building: Bowman Hall 1st Floor Within the colors gives signal power:

Red 54Mbps/-50dBi Yellow 24Mbps/-70dBi Green 6Mbps/-90dBi

Note: The green border is beyond what UW-Stout guarantees but there are enough signals to send and receive packets.

Antenna Settings for 802.11g

Signal strength setting is maxed at 100mW The Cisco 1200 access point above is operating with a 2.2-dBi gain antenna Antenna is setup for omni coverage

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Appendix D
Project SLAWN Proposed Coverage Area

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References
Anyware. Available from http://www.anywarewireless.com/index_framed.htm Authentication module based on IEEE802.1x. Retrieved March 21, 2003, from http://www.acticom.de/8021x.html Becoming a Wireless Campus. Retrieved March 27, 2003, from http://www.thejournal.com/magazine/vault/A3482.cfm Benefits of Wireless, Without the Risk. Retrieved March 15, 2003, from http://funk.com/radius/Solns/harvard_us.asp Carlson, Scott. (2002, June 12). Drexel U. Will Offer Wireless Network Connections Across Campus. Retrieved March 17, from http://chronicle.com/free/2002/06/2002061201t.htm Cisco Systems. Available from http://www.cisco.com Meeting the Challenges of the Wireless Campus. Retrieved March 17, from http://www.verniernetworks.com/eduwlan.solution.profile.pdf IEEE Standards Online. Available from http://standards.ieee.org/catalog/olis/lanman.html Nitle. Available from http://www.nitle.org/wireless OIT Wireless Access Point Technical Standards. Retrieved March 15, from http://www1.umn.edu/wireless/standards.html Olson, Florence. (2002, October 9). The Wireless Revolution. Retrieved March 21, 2003, from http://chronicle.com/free/2002/10/2002100901t.htm Simply Wireless. Available from http://www.simplywireless.com.au/education.htm Strengthening Wireless Authentication. Retrieved March 27, from http://www.microsoft.com/technet/columns/security/5min/5min-208.asp?frame=true Unplugged U. Retrieved March 15, 2003, from http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/10.10/dartmouth.html Wahl, Doug (wahld@uwstout.edu). (2003, March 19). Stouts current network specifications. Email to Steve Krueger (kruegerste@uwstout.edu). Wahl, Doug (wahld@uwstout.edu). (2003, March 28). Wireless network requirements.

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Email to Steve Krueger (kruegerste@uwstout.edu). Wahl, Doug (wahld@uwstout.edu). (2003, April 15). Stouts possible coverage area and needed technology. Email to Steve Krueger (kruegerste@uwstout.edu). Wahl, Doug (wahld@uwstout.edu). (2003, April 20). Budget and funding requirements. Email to Steve Krueger (kruegerste@uwstout.edu). Young, Jeffrey. (2000, October 10). SUNYs Morrisville Campus Sees Wireless Computing as a Way to Create a Niche. Retrieved March 21, 2003, from http://chronicle.com/free/2000/10/2000101001t.htm