./.WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/INF/70
22 October 2003
(03-5589)
NOTE BY THE SECRETARIAT
WIRELESS INTERNET FACILITY (WiFi)
1. This communication is intended to complement the announcement made by the Secretariat
during the General Council meeting of 15 May 2003 under agenda item 12 "Ongoing Improvements
to the Services provided by the Secretariat to Members" (WT/GC/M/80 para.136).
2. Delegations may wish to note that it is now possible to access the Internet from WTO
premises using wireless technology.
What is wireless internet technology?
3. A means of connecting to the Internet without cable.  A delegate visiting the CWR with his
enabled laptop or  Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) can communicate with the Internet from
designated areas in the building without plugging a cable from his device into an Internet wall outlet.
What is an enabled device (Laptop/PDA)?
4. An enabled device is a laptop or PDA that is equipped with wireless communication
capabilities – the so called 802.11b protocol.  Recently manufactured laptops and PDAs have WiFi
built in, which means that the user will incur no additional expenses in equipping his device.  Older
devices need to be enabled by means of a WiFi card;  these cards are readily available in the market
place (see below).
Where are the designated areas located?
5. At this point two areas in the CWR have been equipped:
(a) the "Salle des Pas Perdus";
(b) the reception area (foyer) and cafeteria in the new conference building.
6. Additional areas will be equipped within the next few weeks.  The intention of the
Informatics Division  is to equip all meeting rooms and additional areas such as the CWR cafeteria,
etc.
What are the benefits?
7. Those stemming from having access to the Internet.  A WiFi user attending a meeting room
can browse any Internet site and download informa tion at will.  He can also communicate via e-mail
with his colleagues. As with a standard wired connection, the user can access the main sites of the
Organization: the WTO Official Website and the WTO Members Page (user id and passwordrequired).WT/INF/70
Page 2
Is it free?  Is it fast?
8. The Secretariat provides this service free of charge. The speed is similar to that obtained from
an ADSL line (faster than a 56K modem).  If many users are connected at the same time, some
slowness in response may be experienced.  A delegate can remain connected for as long as he wishes.
How to obtain and install a WiFi card
9. Large department stores as well as specialised shops stock them1.  These cards come with a
CD containing the necessary drivers.  Instructions are straight-forward and require installing the
drivers from the CD onto the device and then plugging the card into the device.
How to establish a connection in the designated areas of the WTO
10. Just turn on your device.  Most devices will automatically detect the existence of a WiFi
connection.  You may be asked to confirm that you want to connect.  That is it!
Additional Assistance
11. Equipping your PC with WiFi capability is a simple operation that does not require any
specific technical expertise. Should you require further assistance with the purchase and/or installation
of equipment, however,  you may contact some of the specialised shops mentioned in the footnote.
__________
                                                     
1 Department stores: FNAC, Media Markt, Migros-Electronics, Inter Discount, etc.
Specialised shops: VM Computer, Computer Rental Consulting,  The Portable Shop, etc .
See also  http://www.expansys.com/d_wireless.asp