After examining the facilities at the Austin Public Library, I have developed a Wireless Technology Proposal that will fit the needs of this facility to become a more streamlined and efficient area for both employees and users. This is broken down into two classes of needs, Tier I being more important than Tier II.
Tier I Needs: New Wireless Access Points and Routers – The current infrastructure consists of mixed modes and brands of wireless devices that do not offer very much in terms of remote configurability. I have come up with a cost effective solution that will provide reliable connections for both users and employees of the Austin Public Library.
I suggest a dual-layered approach to facilitate the needs of the different classes. First, the employees will need a high powered secured device that offers remote manageability to maintain connections and allow IT personnel repair connections more effectively when the network is down. I suggest the Cisco Aironet 1200 Series for this situation. The device offers reliable 802.11g connections, high security, high capacity and offers Power-over-Ethernet. The devices may be slightly dated, but are relatively low in price. Used Cisco Aironet 1200s run in the 200 to 300 dollar range, providing a cost effective secure and manageable solution for this environment.
For the user class, a separate set of routers would be used. This would not only allow more control over access control for each class, but allows more security by keeping the wireless networks separate. The user class does not need as secure of a solution and can pass with a relatively no-frills consumer class device. My recommendation would be the Linksys WRT54G v.1 to v.4. These routers run on a GNU Linux software base which has allowed the proliferation of user made firmware that can unlock a business class amount of potential that the device holds. Using the ‘OPENWRT’ firmware, users can select and install certain packages to fit their needs in the environment. One example could be to install the NOCATSPLASH authentication tool to provide a Username/Password portal for users when logging on to the wireless internet. These devices usually run about 70 dollars new but can easily be doubled or tripled in value when unlocking the full potential. This, however, requires a higher amount of installation time, but in the end I believe it is worth it. (Note: The WRT54G v.5.0 does not run on the Linux software, so these firmware can not be installed.)
Although this seems like a complex solution, the benefits of having more access control over two classes of users, higher security and more efficient network maintenance definitely trump the slightly longer and cumbersome start up time. Also, narrowing down the brands and models to two devices allows better knowledge of the product.
New Set of Computers – As the internet becomes more of an intense multimedia atmosphere, new computer facilities for both users and employees will allow more efficient usage of time. Currently, most of the workstations are Dell Optiplex GX1s equipped with Pentium 3s. New Pentium 4 Dell 4600Cs can be purchased with matching 17” LCD screens for 400 dollars after rebate and possibly a deal can be worked out for governmental purchases along with bulk pricing.
New Telecommunications System – After spending some time at the Austin Public Library, I found out that there isn’t much of an integrated telecommunications system. With IT personnel always on the go, communication is critical. I recommend a Nextel/Sprint wireless communications cell phone package that will allow users not only to have access to a phone line but the ability to ‘walkie-talkie’ to each other across town when working in multiple areas around the city. This enables instant communication and prevents the IT department from having to use their own resources to communicate.
Tier II Needs: New Inventory System – Although the current inventory system is actually relatively streamlined and efficient, a new inventory system based on either Wireless Palms (Symbol) or RFID technology can be used to inventory the books restricting the need to have it placed on carts and run through the front desk. RFID would be the recommended technology, but carries a high premium since it is relatively new technology. However, this technology would fully utilize the dual layered wireless network setup and would provide secure transfers of data between book inventory and user accounts.
New Network Infrastructure – I do know that this is already being implemented with the new GAATN city wide internet project. It will definitely help maintenance issues by resolving the SBC/Time Warner connections that are already in place.
Notebook Computers – This isn’t necessarily a requirement, but providing notebook computers to IT staff would greatly improve their ability to fix network failures at the Austin Public Library and other public facilities. Also, notebook computer check out could also present users the opportunity to use the library books and resources more freely removing all restraints that desktops give. Notebook check out would be difficult, but creating a partnership with a notebook computer rental service could give mobile computing to users that are not able to afford a notebook normally.
I have taken time to develop these concerns and do believe that these enhancements, although not incredibly urgent or necessary, can really improve the effectiveness of not only work done at the Austin Public Library, but can truly enhance the experience for the end user.
Thank you for your time.
