Mobile Computing and Wireless Networking
Laptop computers allow more flexible working, and alleviate space problems. Class sets can be stored and charged in a laptop trolley, and then taken to rooms when needed. Teachers can take them home or to different rooms to work on.
However, they are more expensive than the equivalent desktop computer; less robust, more expensive to repair and more fiddly to use. Batteries need to be managed and security arranged. Laptop computers should not be the main or only computer provision in a school.
It is common to connect laptops to a network using a wireless signal, but computers that belong to a member of staff, and are used in fixed locations (eg front of class or in an office) can be plugged directly into a wall socket and may not need a wireless connection.
Wireless networking is slower and less reliable than cabled networks, therefore, school administration computers should not be connected wirelessly. The wireless access point, or AP is plugged into your network, so fixed cabling is not dispensed with completely.
Arrangement of wireless access points
There are 2 suitable options
- 2 access points and a printer can be kept on top of a laptop trolley together with a small network switch. The
trolley is wheeled into the appropriate room, and plugged into mains
and network sockets. This option is less expensive but involves plugging
in and switching on. As the range is limited, the signal will not reach
the whole school at once.
- Permanently fixed access points are arranged strategically around
the school to give access wherever a laptop is taken. Printing can become
confusing in this case, and needs to be planned and users trained to
avoid printouts appearing in different rooms.
The laptops themselves need a wireless network card installed. Most new models now have this built in.We recommend adopting the newer, faster wireless protocols when buying new equipment and suggest Tri mode/dual band devices to maintain compatibility with older systems.
Current prices can be found from the RM website:
Downloads for Hertfordshire Schools 
Instructions and reference sheets will be posted here as and when appropriate
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