--- Forwarded Message from "Ross, Andrew" <[log in to unmask]> --- >From: "Ross, Andrew" <[log in to unmask]> >To: "'Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum'" <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: RE: #5952 Hardware and "Wireless labs" >Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2001 08:15:06 -0500 ------------------ Hi, Fatima: Truth to tell, I wouldn't go completely wireless unless you have an absolute need to do so. Wireless throughput is 11Mb/s, shared -- unless you have an Ethernet port/base station setup for each machine in your lab. So, two machines on the same base station will drop the throughput to 5.5Mb/s, and so on. This is at least true of 2.4GHz wireless, which is the most common option currently available. We have just finished installing a wireless network setup for our language building, using three base stations (one on each floor). The idea behind this is that faculty members will be able to check out a laptop with a wireless network card in it, walk into a classroom anywhere in the building, and be on the network without the hassle of plugging in an Ethernet cable (you'd be surprised how difficult this is for many of them ...). We're trading bandwidth for ease of use. By all means, make wireless an option for your facility. Think carefully about your network needs before committing to it as the primary option. As faster Ethernet comes down the pike in the near future (think 1Gb to the desktop!), you'll want to be in a position to take fullest advantage of it. a. Andrew F. Ross, Ph.D Director, Multimedia Language Lab G15 Puryear Hall University of Richmond, VA 23173 Tel: (804) 287-6838 [log in to unmask] "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, because you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup." -----Original Message----- From: LLTI-Editor [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, February 16, 2001 4:04 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: #5952 Hardware and "Wireless labs" --- Forwarded Message from "Fatima Chajia" <[log in to unmask]> --- >From: "Fatima Chajia" <[log in to unmask]> >To: [log in to unmask] >Subject: Hardware and "Wireless labs" >Date: Thu, 15 Feb 2001 15:23:17 -0000 Hello LLTI members, We are in the process of applying for a major grant to renew part of our stock of computer (about 15 Apple computers and server). We are considering going wireless. My two questions are: 1. any recommendations for the hardware (models of server and computers). Would you recommend going for desktops or laptops, or both? Any suggestion in the specific design of the lab (designing the setting of the furnitures): islands, rows, etc. (something that will work for classwork as well as for individuals). 2. any other technical suggestions or recommendations for going wireless (our classrooms are already wired).? Thank you all. Fatima Fatima Chajia, Ph.D Dept of Foreign Languages 358 T.T. Allain Southern University and A&M Baton Rouge, LA 70813 (225) 771-3030 (office) _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com