AISD Network Systems and Support
AISD Wireless Network Frequently Asked Questions
Updated 7/10/2012
Q1:
Where are the AISD Wireless documents located? .............................................................. 2
Q2:
Will the Wireless LAN replace my current "wired" connection? ............................................ 2
Q3:
What sites have a Wireless Network installed? .................................................................... 2
Q4:
Is the wireless transmission secure? .................................................................................... 2
Q5:
What frequency and Standard do the Wireless Networks use? ........................................... 2
Q6:
Can I install my own Wireless Access Point? ....................................................................... 3
Q7:
Can I connect to the Wireless Network outside or between buildings? ................................ 3
Q8:
Do portable buildings have wireless coverage? .................................................................... 3
Q9:
Do microwave ovens or cordless telephones interfere with wireless LAN? ......................... 3
Q10: What AISD wireless networks are available and what are their intended purposes?........... 3
Q11: Can I connect my non-AISD owned computer to the District’s wired and/or wireless
network? ................................................................................................................................ 3
Q12: Can I use the wireless and the wired networks simultaneously? .......................................... 4
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Q1:
Where are the AISD Wireless documents located?
They can be found on the http://AISDWeb.austinisd.org internal AISD web site at the
following location: Technology > Network Systems and Support > Wide Area Network > on
the right side of the page, under Department Main Menu choose “Online Library”.
Q2:
Will the Wireless LAN replace my current "wired" connection?
While wireless connectivity provides network users with mobility and flexibility, a wired
connection provides a faster, more constant, and more secure network access. Where a
wireless connection shares the available bandwidth with other wireless clients, a wired
connection has its own dedicated bandwidth. In addition, the actual wireless connection
speed is determined by a number of factors, including the type and capabilities of wireless
adapter in the laptop, the distance away from the radio, the building structure, etc.
Q3:
What sites have a Wireless Network installed?
Some type of WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) is available at most AISD locations.
Almost all of these locations have a complete WLAN installed in all permanent buildings.
Currently, WLANs have been installed in 95% of the portable buildings. For the complete
list of the wireless status of all the schools and facilities at AISD please see the document
titled, “AISD Schools Wireless Status” which can be found on the District's internal web
page:
http://aisdweb/static_files/AISDWeb/Library Docs/Wide
Schools Wireless Networks - Updated 2-26-2010.pdf
Q4:
Area
Network/Files/AISD
Is the wireless transmission secure?
The District uses PEAP, WPA2, and AES to encrypt data over the airwaves. As with all
wireless technologies, however, there is a remote risk of interception and decryption of your
transmission.
Q5:
What frequency and Standard do the Wireless Networks use?
AISD has implemented two general categories of Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) networks,
802.11a/b/g/n and 802.11b/g.
The newer technology, 802.11a/b/g/n, utilizes two wireless radios, one operating at 2.4
GHz and the other at 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz radio provides connection speeds up to 144
Mbps and the 5 GHz radio provides connection speeds up to 300 Mbps. The connection
speed is determined by a number of factors, including the type and capabilities of the
wireless adapter in the laptop, the distance away from the radio, the building structure, etc.
This technology has been implemented at approximately 25% of AISD locations. These
locations have a WLAN Type of “Aruba” or “Cisco LW” on the document titled, “AISD
Schools Wireless Status - Updated 2-26-2010” which can be found on the District's internal
web page:
http://aisdweb/static_files/AISDWeb/Library Docs/Wide
Schools Wireless Networks - Updated 2-26-2010.pdf
Area
Network/Files/AISD
The older technology, 802.11b/g, utilizes a single 2.4 GHz radio and provides connection
speeds up to 54 Mbps. This technology has been implemented at approximately 75% of
AISD locations. These locations have a WLAN Type of “Cisco” on the document titled,
“AISD Schools Wireless Status - Updated 2-26-2010” which can be found on the District's
internal web page:
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http://aisdweb/static_files/AISDWeb/Library Docs/Wide
Schools Wireless Networks - Updated 2-26-2010.pdf
Q6:
Area
Network/Files/AISD
Can I install my own Wireless Access Point?
No. District policy prohibits non-Network Systems and Support personnel from installing
networking equipment of any kind on the network. You must call the HELP Desk to obtain
prior written approval. Due to security issues, unauthorized wireless access points will be
discovered and removed from the network.
Q7:
Can I connect to the Wireless Network outside or between buildings?
Currently there is limited support for coverage outside or between buildings. It may be
possible to connect from outside the building but there is no guaranteed access.
Q8:
Do portable buildings have wireless coverage?
At the current time, wireless coverage is provided in 95% of the portable buildings.
Wireless networks will continue to be installed in portable buildings as funding is available.
Q9:
Do microwave ovens or cordless telephones interfere with wireless LAN?
The wireless 802.11a/b/g/n LAN we use operates at 2.4 and 5 GHz. Microwave ovens
operate at 2.45 GHz, and cordless phones operate at 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.8 GHz. We
have confirmed that microwave ovens and 2.4 and 5 GHz phones can interfere with
802.11a/b/g/n wireless LANs. If users encounter especially slow or no wireless connectivity
and there is a kitchen nearby, moving the computer a few feet might improve connectivity.
The frequency spectrum in which wireless LANs operate is regulated by the FCC, but is not
coordinated or licensed. As such, wireless LANs are vulnerable to interference from other
technologies using the same spectrum.
Q10: What AISD wireless networks are available and what are their intended purposes?
There are currently three wireless networks available for use at each AISD location:



admin – To be used by District administrative staff to access District resources.
education – To be used by teachers and students to access District resources.
AISD-GUEST – To be used by visitors to the campus. It provides limited access
to District resources and the Internet.
The “admin” and “education” wireless networks require the latest wireless security
mechanisms and have been proven effective in providing secure wireless access to the
District’s resources. An approved wireless client device supports the following:







“WPA2-Enterprise” Security Type
“AES” Encryption Type
“Microsoft Protect EAP (PEAP)” Network Authentication Method
“MS-CHAP v2” or “GTC” Inner EAP Encryption
Server Certificate Validation
IEEE 802.1X Authentication
Computer (Machine) Authentication
Q11: Can I connect my non-AISD owned computer to the District’s wired and/or wireless
network?
No. Per district policy, non-AISD owned computers are not allowed to be connected to the
AISD network. A user could use the “AISD-GUEST” wireless network for limited access to
District resources and the Internet.
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Q12: Can I use the wireless and the wired networks simultaneously?
No. You should only use one or the other network at a time. If you are connected to the
wired network you should disable your wireless adapter.
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