U.S. General Services Administration all about . . . wireless lan connecting people, space and technologies to evolve the federal workplace what is wireless LAN?

A wireless local area network (WLAN)—a key element of any mobility strategy— is part of the IT infrastructure that enables mobile connectivity. With WLANs, users can connect to mobile devices such as laptops and cellular phones wirelessly to the agency Local Area Network (LAN) and access corporate and Internet-based applications whether they are in their office, a conference room, or any other location inside their agency’s workspace. Wireless access points within a federal office complex allow employees to disconnect from their desks and be more productive. Having a robust wireless network enables employees to be mobile with all their wireless devices. It can improve utilization of common space and meeting rooms and lead to enhanced collaboration among coworkers.

what equipment is required?

Wireless LAN equipment is divided into two categories: wireless access points and wireless LAN controllers. ● Wireless access points connect the user devices to the local area network. Typically, these provide users a 5Mbps connection based on the IEEE 802.11x standard. To ensure a 5 Mbps connection per device, one access point is needed for every 10 wireless devices. ● Wireless LAN controllers provide the configuration management for each wireless access point. Depending on the features of each access point and controller and the performance requirements of the network, one controller may manage as few as 10 access points and as many as 100. wireless lan . . . features

what are some wireless LAN implementation options?

Before buying anything, federal agencies must consider their existing infrastructure base, user communities, and capabilities to effectively operate wireless LAN infrastructure. Four implementation options include: ● Extension of existing LAN: This adds wireless LAN infrastructure to an existing LAN. The LAN is operated and maintained without a change in operating model, and this is the most typical model. ● Deployment of a new LAN: This could be for new locations, new organizations, or building expansions. Operating model can be either government or contractor owned/operated. ● Leased Equipment (Government Owned): A contractor leases the equipment to a federal agency. As part of the lease, engineering, installation, and operating may be included. ● Service Purchase: Rather than buying or leasing equipment, a federal agency buys a service and is not concerned with the equipment or operation; instead, a service-level agreement is maintained.

what are wireless LAN security features?

When implementing WLAN, security policies and procedures must be addressed: Who can access the network? Will there be a separate guest network access? What type of Internet and local network access will users have once access is granted? How will the guest network be filtered? Will some Web sites be blocked, and if so then how? Security for LANs encompasses these three areas: ● Authentication: The mechanism that identifies devices and/or users before access is granted. Since most devices can pick up the signal of wireless access points, authentication is the first gate to prevent unauthorized access. ● Encryption: The mechanism that protects the confidentiality and integrity of data. Generally, wireless access devices use a mechanism called Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) to encrypt data in WLANs. ● Intrusion detection and prevention: The mechanism that detects and blocks unauthorized users attempting to access a WLAN. Typically, authentication is built into the existing LANs but intrusion detection and prevention systems often must be purchased separately. Sometimes, these purchases are from vendors different than the equipment suppliers. GSA can help you secure the right levels of encryption and any engineering services needed to assist with the wireless design, procurement and implementation. 2 wireless lan . . . procurement vehicles

which GSA procurement approach is best?

WorkPlace+ specialists can guide you through the GSA resources and procurement options to acquire components of a wireless LAN. Typically, four factors are considered: ● Cost of the good or service, including acquisition transaction cost ● Speed of the acquisition ● Flexibility of the acquisition ● Access to competent suppliers GSA will help you create the contract, reviewing both “full and open” acquisition and pre-competed contract options. GSA studies have shown that “full and open” acquisition is a longer process. Even among the smallest acquisitions, several months are required for task order completion. By comparison, pre- competed contracts produce task orders in a matter of weeks, while also minimizing the risk of a contract protest. Pre-competed GSA acquisition solutions for wireless LAN are available through Connections II or IT Schedule 70, depending on your agency’s needs. For agencies that are in need of end-to-end support through the full LAN development cycle, Connections II is best. Schedule 70 is best suited for agencies that have pre-existing LAN infrastructure. See the chart below for the pros and cons of each option.

Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition Acquisition Best used For supplier pool Vehicle cost speed FlexiBility

Full System 21 suppliers; connections ii Development Cycle; Competitive High High all focused on “Green fields” WLAN

WLAN components; Most federal either equipment or Supplier suppliers; Competitive Medium schedule 70 professional services; Dependent focused broadly security on IT

3 wireless lan . . . acquisition what should you consider in acquisition?

Regardless of how the LAN will be implemented and operated, GSA’s WorkPlace+ team will help you evaluate four important factors in the procurement process. They will assist your agency in evaluating solutions that contact us: best meet the current and future workplace needs: Sharon Wall

● User Experience: Includes per user performance, user categories, 617-565-5760 applications required by the user, and where connectivity is required. [email protected] ● Wireless Environment: The physical environment where the wireless signals will be propagated. ● Wired Connectivity: The wireline connectivity to the wireless access points. ● Network Application Services: The most important factors to consider as part of the decision to implement a wireless LAN infrastructure are network management, configuration management, accounting, performance and security. ● Other: Site surveys, service level agreements, and equipment or service agreement upgrades. resources: gsa.gov/schedule70 why move ahead with acquiring a wireless LAN? gsa.gov/connectionsii

Incremental investments in technology such as WLAN can enable employees to be more productive by not being tied down to a desk location. Facility managers can build collaborative work locations and employees can work, online and in real time, without necessarily being at an assigned desk. As work spaces are expensive and many current workplace utilization averages are low, mobility is a key factor to allow for fewer work spaces and greater utilization of existing ones. Wireless LAN is comparatively inexpensive. GSA estimates that the capital investment in wireless LAN equipment can be as low as $33/ device/per year, assuming a three- year equipment life. This is far less expensive than the cost of inside wiring to connect each desktop computer and telephone.

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