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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 http://www.wireless-nets.com Slide 2 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 Slide 3 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 Slide 4 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 802.11) 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? Slide 5 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 Slide 6 Copyright 2001 Wireless-Nets, Ltd.Page 6 Technologies and Standards IEEE 802.11b 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 802.11 AAA Hotspots ISPs WISPr Slide 7 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. (www.wireless-nets.com/guide.htm) Wireless-Nets Newsletter Free newsletter sponsored by Wireless- Nets Consulting Services that keeps you up-to-date on changes in the wireless networking industry. (www.wireless-nets.com/newsletter.htm) Wireless LAN Workshop October 16-18, 2001 Cincinnati, Ohio. (www.wireless-nets.com/workshops.htm)