Latest Enterprise Wireless Update

Earlier this week, Dan posted an announcement about progress made on the SCLS Enterprise Wireless service.  A more detailed description of the service has been posted, but I wanted to highlight a couple of key points in the document for member libraries to consider, before and after indicating interest:

1. Bandwidth issues may be challenging for a few libraries but we're confident that the Badgernet contract will be resolved very soon.  In preparation for both the optional Enterprise wireless service and the SCLS network convergence, the Technology Team received bandwidth usage graphs for SCLS network libraries.  The good news is that most of the libraries have adequate bandwidth for both wireless and the so-called non-LINK PCs.  For a few, we may have to wait until TEACH can increase the size of the Network "pipe" before cutting over to Enterprise Wireless.
2. A site survey must be performed at your library and we need floor plans to complete the survey.  If you are not sure where those floor plans of your library might be, now would be a good time to start looking.  Having floor plans in hand at the site survey is a necessary step in the process to getting Enterprise Wireless.
3. You'll probably need to do some additional cabling.  The ideal location for wireless access points for the Enterprise Wireless system is usually the ceiling of your library.  After the site assessment, SCLS staff will let you know where the access point(s) will need to be located, and what to tell the electrician.
4. Enterprise Wireless is not a substitute for proper network cabling.  If you're thinking that Enterprise Wireless can be used to move a self-check machine around the library or cut costs associated with cable runs, you should probably re-think your renovation plans.  The system is designed primarily for patron wireless access, and although we're planning on rolling out a SCLS Staff secured wireless feature in the future, the service is not designed as a substitute for appropriate network cabling.  The SCLC Network Policy gives a good description of how wireless services work on the SCLS network.

 We'll keep adding new information here in the Technology News blog, especially as we get closer to rolling out the service so keep checking back for more news.