WDU/CTIA 2002 WiFi coverage:
Largest commercial system in the U.S.?
If you're one of the 40,000 people expected in Orlando next week for Wireless Data University or the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association's Wireless 2002 conference and exposition, be sure to bring your 802.11b card. WiFi network "aggregator" Boingo Wireless, in conjunction with the CTIA and other partners, will offer WiFi coverage throughout the Orange County (Orlando, Fla.) conference center.
More than 1 million square feet will be covered in the conference center with more than 800 access points. The largest conference implementation, I think, in the U.S. The CTIA believes (it's hedging its bets!) this is the largest commercial implementation of WiFi in the U.S. (Some huge corporations, such as Microsoft, have WiFi across their numerous buildings. But these are not "commercial" implementations.)
Special access, special pricing for WiFi
Unlike when using Boingo's existing nationwide WiFi system, in Orlando virtually any computer will be able to use the network. This includes computers with Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP as well as Windows CE and Apple. You may use Boingo's installation shell/dialer program (download it from the Web site or get an even more updated version at the show on a CD) if you have a card that's compatible with Boingo's system.
If you don't have a compatible card or you use Windows CE or an Apple operating system, you can change your 802.11 card's SSID to "SmarTCitY" (it is case sensitive), launch your browser, and you should get into a "splash" page to sign up.
One-day access is $7.95. You can get three-day's access for the price of two: $15.90. If you sign up for three months of Boingo Pro service ($24.95 per month), you can purchase an Avaya Wireless Gold WiFi PC Card for $25, compared to a retail price of $125. You will also get four free days of service, so you can use WiFi during WDU and Wireless 2002, and it won't be credited against your ten sessions per month.
Wireless LAN Web section
I have posted lots of details about WiFi implementation on a new "Wireless LAN Resources" section on my main Web site. The section also includes a page about how conference speakers could use 802.11 to enhance their presentations.
Crummy speakers had better beware. If you're boring, you can expect the WiFi-enabled audience members to be merrily answering their e-mail, surfing the Web and sending instant messages cackling about how awful you are. Indeed, if there are bloggers in the audience, such as Doc Searls, Glenn Fleishmann, Dan Bricklin or Dan Gillmor, there's a very good chance they will be posting comments about you -- good or bad.
I know of at least one well known journalist and blogger who will be attending WDU, so I'd better do a good job during my tutorial and presentations!
A WiFi Test Bed
The WDU/CTIA will be a fascinating "test bed" for WiFi performance. It will also be fun to hear the comments by cellular industry leaders about 802.11. If you're going to Orlando you really should think about checking out the Boingo service. WiFi is going to be a big part of "wireless Internet," and if you're in the wireless industry, you've got to know about this.
(I'm not promoting this because I have a relationship with Boingo or its partners. I don't. I'm a partner in WDU, but I have no monetary arrangement with the WiFi implementation. I simply believe in the value of WiFi and think you're crazy if you're in the wireless business and don't test it.)
I'm going to discuss WiFi + cellular in detail during Wireless Data University as well as moderating a rountable discussion about WiFi at which Sky Dayton, the founder of Boingo, will participate.
Hope to see you there.
6:00:29 PM 
|
