But unlike the infrared-based equipment, it is not based on infrared technology, which had become an untenable solution after the city of Walnut Creek's disastrous experiences. CampusLAN carries data over radio waves, which cannot be disrupted by local traffic, weather conditions, or rooftop wildlife. A 56Kbps leased line had already replaced the infrared connection between City Hall and the City Attorney's office. So Lech decided to use the RadioLAN devices to interconnect LANs at City Hall and the Regional Center of the Arts, one block away. Antennae were attached to the roofs of the two buildings, and holes drilled into the ceilings for the equipment's conduits.
Lech estimates a return on investment on the wireless equipment of little more than a year.
In addition to the cost savings, Lech says the radio-based infrastructure is more reliable than the infrared equipment. In addition, maintenance of the CampusLink hardware is effortless, according to Lech. There is no maintenance required. What Lech cannot forget, however, is that his network needs to grow. Despite the fact that the city is deploying its second generation of wireless LAN technology, Lech remains cautious of relying on it too heavily.