In recent years, with the rush to network schools, the amount of wiring and cabling escalated dramatically in ways that often hampered the use of the equipment and led to restrictions and inflexibility. Connections often dictated placement and movement was rare. With the arrival of high performance wireless notebook computers, we stand at the beginning of a promising new phase. The wireless notebook, especially when delivered to classrooms in sufficient quantities, is likely to bring about a welcome shift in attitude and use by classroom teachers.
Mobility, flexibility and expandability are the most attractive features of wireless networks. Schools that implement wireless laptop carts benefit from the mobility and flexibility of the arrangement. Wireless laptop carts allow teachers to set up labs on the fly by plugging access points into the wired network. The expandability of wireless networks allows schools to start with a few carts and access points, and then expand as needed. The wireless cart can enhance the value of your existing wired network and the efficiency of both your students and teachers. Wireless carts allow the PCs to be moved to the students, instead of the students having to move to the PCs. The wireless aspect gives you much more flexibility in spacing out your groups.
Consider manageability, scalability, support, dependability and compatibility when choosing a product. Forward Edge has the knowledge and experience to address all of the issues to consider.
· Manageability refers to how the access points can be managed remotely once installed
· Scalability is whether or not the firmware in the access points can be upgraded
· Support, dependability and compatibility speak for themselves.
Security must also be considered when choosing a product. Adding wireless to your existing network opens a new path for outsiders to break in. (An unsecured wireless network can be accessed by individuals outside of the building walls.) Also, when laptop PCs are used in classrooms, they are vulnerable to theft and unauthorized use. In order to protect this valuable equipment in cabinets, laptop carts are specifically designed to secure and transport laptop computers. Laptop PC's are designed to be portable and light. Institutions that provide laptops in classrooms have the added challenge of protecting equipment while providing a way to transport it, secure it, and re-charge batteries. With those factors in mind, the cart model you choose should offer:
· Secure construction with strongest possible locks
· Built-in charging capabilities with surge suppressor
· Fully welded construction, long power cords
· Reconfigurable module shelves
Tips for choosing your wireless cart:
A cart should have more than just a multi-outlet strip.
Make sure the cart provides surge-protection.
The cart should also provide outlets for peripherals such as printers and access points.
Each laptop module should be big enough to provide easy access for students and teachers and accommodate larger formal laptops if needed in the future. (Ideally, openings should let you store a notebook in an “Always On” case.)
Each shelf on the cart should be removable, to provide flexibility for future configuration needs.
The laptop cart you choose should be available in a wide variety of sizes and with accessories such as large tire kits, accessory lock boxes and added security options.
Benefits of a wireless cart
MOBILITY- each notebook cart comes with casters, (two that lock) making transporting easy and safe.
SECURITY- Multiple-point bolting doors and key locks deter theft and helps ensure the security of thousands of dollars worth of equipment.
EFFICIENCY- Ships fully-assembled saving the consumer time and money.
STRATEGIC DEPLOYMENT- Wireless notebook computers make it easy to put computing power where it will do the most good and optimize both fettering of use and quality of purpose.
CLEANLINESS- Wireless notebook computers do not add mess, confusion and disorder to a classroom.
Forward Edge will help you to design a plan that matches your school’s environment and budget. Wireless laptop carts provide the best solution for schools that need an affordable way to increase student access to the latest technology. Ready to roll into any classroom, these complete labs conveniently bring innovative digital tools right to where learning is taking place. These labs provide a cost-effective way to share technology among classrooms, and schools can regain valuable space by converting dedicated computer labs back into classrooms. As always, the installation team at Forward Edge will wire manage all cables and configure all access points and printers and ensure a seamless implementation of the wireless carts.