Planning for the wireless project began a year ago with a meeting between the Queens Library and the Sirsi Corporation.
Sirsi is providing the library with a SIP2 relational database management system that allows staff to manage technical and public services within the library. "We started to talk with Queens Library about Bluesocket when they asked me if I could build SIP2 functionality into the Bluesocket controllers. This was the catalyst for me to get that work moving forward," said Rick Cook, Network Engineer for Sirsi. "As a result, there is now a single BlueSecure 5000 at the central location and then access points at the other branches. Many of the branches are multiple floors, and ultimately when the library completes renovations at its branches and installs its customer service model to include the new features, there might be 70 to 80 access points when the system is finished."
Most libraries use the SIP2 protocol for their database technology allowing library patrons to log-on securely using their library card pin number for Internet access as well as accessing the online card catalog. In addition to Queens Public Library, Boston Public Library, Sonoma County Library, Aurora Public Library, Allen County Public Library, and Rolling Hills Consolidated Libraries are using this protocol to secure similar wireless networks.
The library has installed a BlueSecure 5000 Controller in the main branch in Jamaica, NY, providing security and authentication with wireless traffic routing back to the central location from each remote location.
Utilizing Bluesocket's Secure Mobility technology for wireless data and voice applications, BlueSecure Controllers provide high-performance, reliable, policy-based WLAN security and management solutions now deployed by large institutions, enterprises, healthcare and public access providers.
"Originally, our rollout of the wireless network was focused on 10 branches," said Jason L. Curtis, Network Manager for the Queens Library. These branches are located within the Queens West school district, and represent an ethnically diverse as well as underprivileged population. Because of that, the Library was awarded a grant to obtain affordable telecommunications equipment and Internet access.
In order to protect its existing investment, the library was committed to keeping Cisco 1200 equipment in their solution so they sought the company's advice. "The buy-in from Cisco made me comfortable recognizing Bluesocket as a market leader," said Philip Darsan, CTO for the Queens Library.
The library is limited in the number of PCs it can offer for patron use, so laptop services seemed a natural extension. "We have a very robust system and can offer a lot of bandwidth," said Darsan. "However, I wanted an enterprise solution. I didn't want a box here and a box there. As we do renovations at the branches we will provision them to have wireless and the transition will be seamless."
The main library is already unwired and the rest of the branches are scheduled to have wireless Internet access installed as they are renovated over the next few years.
"I'm very happy with the end result," he concluded. "As we expand, we can look at the BlueSecure 5000 management capabilities to decide how to deploy in the future."
