Wireless Technology
Wireless technologies have had a huge impact on the lives of many through cellular telephones. Wireless data networks are beginning to have a similar, though less visible, impact on network infrastructures in DPS. DoTS is supporting the District's deployment and use of wireless data networks for instructional purposes and has established procedures and guidelines for such support.
All new DPS schools and those with major Bond or E-Rate Project additions will have wireless access points included in the schools' network infrastructure. The status for the implementation of Wireless data networks in DPS schools may be found at http://boris01.dpsk12.org/wificheck/default.aspx.
DoTS only recommends wireless connections for mobile/laptop computers as these computers, when connected to wireless via an internal wireless card, allow great flexibility and instructional possibilities. Schools will need to include the cost of wireless cards in their laptop purchases. In order to connect to the DPS Wireless data network with complete access, the wireless cards installed must support LEAP 802.1x authentication.
DPS prohibits the use of Wireless Access Points (WAP) that are not installed by DoTS or their contractors. A non-standard WAP creates a serious breech of network security and may cause significant interference to the existing Wireless data networks.
The wireless data networks implemented so far in DPS have shown a positive impact on the way computers are used in schools. A number of laptop computers and a rolling computer cabinet points allows a school to have a mobile computer lab that can be connected to the network and used throughout a building.