As indoor wireless access becomes increasingly necessary in the workplace, DC-Net helps you meet your agency’s needs for wireless services. DC-Net offers the wireless extension of data circuits through both secure and public access. We also customize wireless access point (AP) installation and management based on agency needs and site size and type.

By leveraging state-of-the-art Cisco technology and supporting standards-based unlicensed frequencies (802.11 a/b/g/n), DC-Net can install and manage APs at each newly deployed site, enabling ubiquitous, secure wireless access for government workers. In addition, DC-Net wireless “hotspots” at these sites enable public access to District government services and the Internet over DC-FreeWiFi.

Benefits

Meeting the growing demand for mobility and increased collaboration, DC-Net helps workers operate more effectively throughout the office environment, whether this is using a laptop in a wireless conference room or working remotely as a “visitor” at another agency.

DC-Net wireless infrastructure is an extension of the enterprise network, thus enabling a range of wireless applications for public safety, health, and education environments:

• Wireless LAN connectivity for laptop and other wireless device users
• Wireless VoIP for in-building wireless phones (Cisco 7925G and others) over the WLAN
• Location tracking for personnel and assets
• Public Wi-Fi hotspots
• Point of sale applications
• Complement to bar code scanners in warehouse
• OfficeAnywhere – Optimal for disaster recovery scenarios, pre-provisioned WAP extends internal network access over an existing Internet connection from anywhere.

Technology

Wireless access points (APs) provide a standards-based extension of the existing data circuit, supporting both authenticated (Secure) and public (DCWiFi) SSIDs. These connections are completely separate. Workers use the secure connection to access the network; authentication is tied to existing user credentials. Visitors use DCWiFi to access the Internet.

DC-Net uses Cisco Aironet 3500 and 1260 series internal APs which provide a range of approximately one AP per 3000 square feet (or about 12 users) in most structures. These devices support 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi standards. Bandwidth is negotiated at whatever the user device supports, with theoretical speeds up to 11 Mbps for 802.11 b, 54 Mbps for 802.11 a/g, 350 Mbps for 802.11 n, and from 450 Mbps (single band) to 900 Mbps (dual band) with next generation APs.

Installation and Management

When you order wireless access point service from DC-Net all aspects of implementation and management are covered. DC-Net’s experienced Radio Frequency Engineering team designs, configures, installs, and manages the network wireless infrastructure. Depending on a site’s size and customization, DC-Net either manages access points remotely from on-site equipment or through its enterprise core infrastructure.

The DC-Net management infrastructure uses Cisco unified wireless controllers. These controllers support intrusion detection and rogue AP detection as well as custom usage reporting.

Pricing includes a non-recurring cost for each AP, along with a modest monthly recurring cost for management of the AP and its supporting infrastructure.

Outdoor Wi-Fi

DC-Net offers the following services for outdoor wireless connectivity:

• LAN Extension – Similar to our indoor wireless service, this service extends the customer LAN (data, voice, video SSIDs) from indoor to outdoor campus. Cost includes monthly maintenance and management of wireless access points. Site surveys determine the number of access points to adequately cover your campus. Data service is required.
• Point-to-Point Wireless Transport – For locations with data transport needs of up to 10 Mbps and/or where fiber construction is not feasible, this service provides reliable transport for data, voice, video with QoS abilities.
• Internet Access – Provides free access to the Internet (with advertisements) at hotspots across the city.

Future Applications

DC-Net is positioned to support and deliver wireless applications as they become available and are requested by agencies. These include the deployment of dual-band phones that switch seamlessly between cellular and DC-Net network depending on signal strength as well as support for “Smart Building” applications. If your agency has special wireless application requirements or other customized needs, DC-Net can help.