JISC

Wireless technologies have an important part to play in networking. They can reduce costs and increase flexibility when used to build Local Area Networks. They enable computers to be used more widely in teaching and learning, and there is evidence that their use encourages collaboration amongst students. Wireless technologies can also connect remote sites, such as access centres, with the main campus network.

The Opportunity

Colleges and universities are continually extending their LANs. This is very expensive and often disruptive while the cable is installed. An alternative is to use wireless (radio) LANs instead. Not only is this often cheaper it is also considerably more flexible as computers can be used anywhere instead of only near the ports. Wireless LANs are not universally useful and colleges and universities will continue to need wired LANs (for instance in computer labs).

Wireless LANs can also assist in the use of students own computers in college and the provision of ubiquitous computing

• Wireless local area networks (LAN) can be installed where there are economic or educational benefits for so doing. There are likely to be economic benefits where there is not already a good existing LAN and one is needed. This is especially true in buildings where it is difficult to lay cables.
• Wireless LANs do have a role to play in creating a good network in colleges and universities in particular where a college or university may be wishing to extend the network into additional buildings or parts of buildings or where flood wiring is being considered.
• In almost all situations wireless LANs will be used in conjunction with wired LANs to maximise the benefits for the college.

Action

Invest - As with all developments in networking, you should ensure that you have undertaken a risk assessment of the security arrangements on your networks.

Senior management briefing paper (PDF)

Technical briefing paper (PDF)