Building Wireless Area Network Of Tianjin Mobile Communication Corp.

Wireless Local-Area Network, or WLAN, is a combination of computer network and wireless telecommunication technology. Since WLAN uses high-frequency radio waves rather than wires as the transmission media, it performs as a supplement and extension of wire-connected LANs. WLAN is not only broad-band, but also easy to deploy, extend and maintain. Today an 802.11b WLAN can transmit data at a speed of up to 11Mbps while offers the possibility of mobile access, therefore provides a fast and convenient solution for situations where wire-connected LANs are found difficult to handle. Considering WLAN as an enhancement of GPRS and precursor of 3G communication, China Mobile shows a strong interest in this technology. This article discusses how to construct a practical WLAN with access controller (AC) and access point (AP) equipments. Especially, it argues about decisions on network plotting, modification and typical cases in practice. The writer of this article has been working in the WLAN construction team of Tianjin Mobile since the June of 2002. The first stage of the construction project was completed after over a year, the result being the first WLAN ever constructed in Tianjin with 25 hot spots being covered. During the period, the writer participated in the whole process of feasibility research, project design, bidding, network construction, modification, analysis and technical support. At the same time, the writer also did comprehensive research on WLAN and relative technologies, and encountered and solved many problems in practice. Opinions and suggestions from experts will be deeply appreciated by the writer.