The Computer Centre is introducing the Wireless Local Area Network
(WLAN) technology to the University by setting up WLAN access points at
a few selected sites on the main campus. These sites are located
in open areas where exhibitions are often held and where PC's need
to be connected to the campus network (e.g. for displaying webpages on
the Internet). The sites ready for WLAN access at the time of writing
are :
- The Run Run Shaw covered podium
- The Haking Wong covered podium
Additional access points are being installed at these two sites to extend the signal coverage. New access points will also be installed at the K. K. Leung concourse shortly.
The WLAN system can transmit data up to 10Mbps Ethernet speed in an open area with unobstructed line of sight between the system components. The system consists of two types of components. One component is called the BackboneLINK (of RadioLAN, Inc.) which acts as an access point and is a signal transmitter physically connected to the wired network backbone. The BackboneLINK bridges between the wireless and wired LAN segments. Another component is a wireless network interface card (NIC) for a notebook or desktop computer.
The computers installed with the RadioLAN wireless NICs send and receive data
by communicating with the BackboneLINK through radio signals. The
BackboneLINK
will then forward the data received from these computers to the wired backbone
network, and vice
versa. Thus it is possible for computers with wireless NICs to
maintain roaming connection to the network.
Parties who are interested in utilising the WLAN facility may borrow the wireless NICs from the Computer Centre General Office in Room 223, Run Run Shaw Building. The NICs are available in 2 versions : PC Card version (called PC CardLINK, for notebooks) and ISA bus version (called ISA CardLINK, for desktops). We currently have 22 PC CardLINK and 2 ISA CardLINK for loan. Should you have any further enquiries about this service, please contact the undersigned.
In addition, the Computer Centre has also worked with the Graduate House
to install WLAN systems (using a technology different from RadioLAN, Inc.)
in the Wang Gang Wu Lecture Theatre, Smartcard Centre and the foyer of
the building. Enquiry on the procedure to make use of these access
points should be directed to the Graduate House.
T. Y. Shen
Tel: 2241 5229
E-mail: sty@cc.hku.hk