A Wireless Infrastructure to Support Research Activities

Abstract

In order to support the development of software which will allow seamless access to multiple wireless data networks, we are building a wireless data infrastructure. It will allow Carnegie Mellon researchers and other members of the campus community to use mobile computers to gain access to data networks while they are on-campus or when they are off-campus in the greater Pittsburgh area. The wireless infrastructure, described in this paper, will initially include two wireless networks, each of which will provide access to our campus computer network.

On campus we are building a high speed wireless infrastructure by using wireless local area network (wireless LAN) technology to provide high speed (2 Mbps) service over a portion of the campus. Outside the wireless LAN service area, we are using the cellular digital packet data (CDPD) service offered by Bell Atlantic Mobile. With both the CDPD and wireless LAN networks operational, properly equipped mobile computers will be able to use both networks.