Seamless access to multiple wireless data networks. A wireless data network infrastructure at Carnegie Mellon University

Abstract

In order to support mobile computing research, including the development of software which will allow seamless access to multiple wireless data networks, a wireless data network infrastructure is being built at Carnegie Mellon University. This infrastructure will allow researchers and other members of the campus community to use mobile computers to gain access to data networks while they are on-campus, or off-campus in the greater Pittsburgh area. The infrastructure will initially include two different types of wireless networks, a low-bandwidth wide area system and a high-bandwidth local area system, each of which will provide access to the campus computer network. Since the campus network is called "Andrew" (after Andrew Carnegie and Andrew Mellon), the new wireless infrastructure has been dubbed "Wireless Andrew". The article describes the Wireless Andrew infrastructure being built. An overview of the infrastructure and the characteristics of the two types of wireless networks used are presented. Each of these networks is then described in more detail. The technology used, its implementation in the wireless network infrastructure, and deployment experience are discussed.