Each access point must then be wired to the main network, and each computer must be outfitted with a wireless card. This 500-foot wireless connection can make a world of difference in older schools with complicated wiring problems, and it can save schools the trouble of placing countless network plumbing drops in classrooms. You can't really fit computers into the room when there's a whole class in there. When they don't, they're moved to another room. We've found this the best solution for the teachers and the students when integrating computing into the curriculum.
Wireless technology can provide flexibility in other ways, too.
In one district, administrators found that their wireless LAN could be extended to a classroom annex. The field house was converted to a computer lab, and we used it primarily to teach computer classes and computer repair. Without wireless networking, we'd have to dig across the field and dig up part of the parking lot to lay cable. With the wireless connection, we're online and hooked to the main school LAN with no problem. As you look at the variety of available wireless LAN solutions, you'll find that range, speed, and power consumption are some of the most important issues.