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Wireless Integration: A New Kind of Computer Lab
8/30/2004
Other design considerations involved the planned installation of a video conferencing unit to facilitate graduate-level distance learning, as well as a fixed ceiling projector and white screen for standard class instruction. A 3500-lumen projector, a motorized retractable screen, a Polycom FX video conferencing unit, and a "Sony 32" Wega TV on a special video conferencing cart would also support video conferencing. For security, the existing card lock access system used in the older computer lab would be extended to the Hybrid Lab, to provide access to students at any time using their campus ID card.
Implementation and Construction
The actual physical renovation of the room was completed in 6 weeks. Although
the walls were generally left intact, additional wiring for power, network,
and voice was accomplished above the ceiling and by raising the floor roughly
4 inches. The lighting was installed specifically to work with the projection
screen in the room. In addition to the floor and ceiling, the walls were repainted,
and new blinds installed. Before the renovation took place, cabinets were removed
from the room to facilitate the make over and were re-used in the new space
for storage and counter space for supplies and equipment.
The UCR C&C Network Operations, which installed the 30 Ethernet network connections in the room, completed the network configuration of the Hybrid Lab. A wireless access point ("AP") was placed adjacent to the lab. The campus network currently utilizes Cisco 350 series 802.11b AP’s, that are installed in many locations across campus. A proprietary security system has been installed, which registers a network card MAC address on a daily basis, in conjunction with a RAS account. Wireless campus access gives users standard TCP/IP access to the Internet.
Unfortunately, the original project budget, based on planning estimates with the campus Academic Planning and Budget Office, was cut by 52 percent during the first round of state budget cuts, and then again by 18 percent, leaving the project completed at 34 percent of the original funding level. The cost savings were achieved mostly in eliminating new furniture purchases, deferring the purchase of a video conferencing unit in favor of using campus-owned equipment, and purchasing refurbished desktops and server.
Spare tables and chairs were taken from various locations and reconditioned to populate the lab. To retain the original design, however, required the special corner tables. These units and a moveable instructor station were the only furniture to be purchased new. We were able to install a network printer and a 3500-lumen data/video LCD projector with a motorized screen, which can project from the instructor station, a VCR or a guest laptop.
There is sufficient seating for up to 20 laptops to access the campus network using wireless cards. The department has a few PC laptops to lend for use in the lab and 6 wireless cards to lend for guest laptops while working in the Hybrid Lab. Using wireless laptops allows unlimited flexibility in the arrangement of the room and the way that a group works in the Hybrid Lab.
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