CITY OF LOs ANGELES THERA G. BRADSHAW CALIFORNIA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GENERAL MANAGER AGENCY KEN SIMMONS EXECUTIVE OFFICER ROOM 1400, CITY HALL EAST 200 NORTH MAIN STREET LOS ANGELES, CA 90012 ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGERS (213) 485-2892 CLIFFORD K. ENG FAX (213) 847-3512 KAMTON M. JOE MARK P. WOLF WWW. LACITY.ORG/ITA ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA MAYOR

April 26, 2006 REF: BAS-377-06

Honorable Members of the City Council City of Los Angeles Room 395, City Hall Los Angeles, CA 90012

Attention: Information Technology and General Services Committee

Subject: WIRELESS NETWORK SERVICES AT MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS COUNCIL FILE NO. 06-0097

Pursuant to City Council Motion (Parks-Hahn), Council File No. 06-0097, the Information Technology Agency (ITA), with assistance from the Department of General Services, is submitting the following report with recommendations for requiring future City employee occupancy locations (whether they be new construction, rental/leasing or any other means) to be equipped with wireless computer services. Wireless services will deliver better municipal services for the public, and improve the productivity and efficiency of City workers.

Wireless Services at Municipal Buildings Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) is a technical standard for wireless local area networks (WLAN), also known as 802.11. Currently, wireless networks are being used in and around City facilities throughout Los Angeles for a variety of purposes. The Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles World Airports, the Convention Center, the Library Department, Recreation and Parks Department, the Information Technology Agency have been providing and utilizing WLAN services. These City wireless networks are used to upload information to centralized databases from remote locations, provide wireless Internet access for the public and City staff, and make the City's on-line services more accessible to citizens. A summary description of select wireless services currently being provided in and around City facilities is included in Attachment A.

Applications - Wireless services at City facilities will provide a consistent environment for delivering e-government services and access to Internet-based applications for the public and will augment the City's wired network connectivity for mobile access to City applications for City employees. In locations where wireless networks have been installed, authorized users with a properly configured portable device such as a

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER Information Technology and General Services Committee - CF 06-0097 April 26, 2006 Page 2 notebook computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, can log-on to these networks to browse the Internet, access City data remotely (report filing and retrieval), check e-mail, and conduct business with the City. These networks can be utilized by City employees, providing greater mobility for field workers, including public safety, building inspectors, traffic management staff and vehicle tracking applications. They can also provide the public and guests visiting City facilities with a secure wireless access to the Internet.

Other benefits of wireless services at and around City facilities are: . 24/7 access to web-based City data at City facilities; . Wireless access to City e-permits, e-payments, e-registration, etc. from multiple locations; . Delivering location-specific information for each site; . Access to educational resources for public and employees; . Convenience of Internet access at City facilities for public and City guests; . Providing greater mobility for City employees within a building or civic center; . Protecting Citywide network's security from rogue access points; and . Ease of network access administration (adds, moves and changes).

Infrastructure & Security - The wireless communications infrastructure is comprised of both wired and wireless broadband connectivity and is built upon a set of industry standards supporting multiple network and communication protocols. Implementation of wireless LAN services would not reduce the City's telecommunications costs. However, it is widely accepted that the failure to deploy these services may result in an increase of the ad-hoc wireless networks by the way of rogue access points which could greatly compromise the Citywide network's security.

Deployment of wireless technology is rapidly expanding due to its ease of implementation, low cost entry-point, and availability. However, wireless deployments are inherently insecure because they lack the physical protection of wired networks. The City of Los Angeles Wireless Network Access Policy1 document lists the required protective measures and practices to properly secure the City's network and prevent malicious or unauthorized access to the City's data and the network infrastructure. Recommendations In order to provide wireless services in and around City facilties, ITA recommends a phased implementation that will include future City facilities as well as key existing City facilities.

Future City Facilities ITA recommends that planning and design for wireless services be included as a part of building communications plans for future City-owned employee occupancy locations. The infrastructure for these wireless services should be provisioned as part of the

1 "The City of Los Angeles Wireless Network Access Policy" is developed by ITA, in partnership with all City departments and was adopted by the City Council in 2004. Information Technology and General Services Committee - CF 06-0097 April 26, 2006 Page 3 building engineering build out and the expenses should be estimated as part of the overall building communications costs.

Existinçç City Facilities There are approximately 400 City facilities throughout the City of Los Angeles, which can benefit from wireless services. ITA recommends a phased implementation plan to provide wireless services, starting with key City-owned facilities. Attachment B includes a short list of recommended key facilities for wireless LAN implementation.

Plans for deploying wireless services at existing or future leased office spaces and buildings wil involve further discussion with the Department of General Services and will depend on the use of the space and the term of the lease.

Network Architecture In order to protect the security of the City's data network infrastructure, it is recommended to design two (2) separate wireless networks at each facility; one for the public's access to the Internet and another for the City employees' access to City's data network and applications.

Fiscal Impact Statement The cost to deploy WLAN networks at City occupied buildings is impacted by several factors, including: . WLAN network's coverage area (indoor or outdoor coverage); . Wireless network design and security requirements; . Number of users the network will support; . Types of applications; . Percentage of public or "guest" users accessing the network; . Building material and design; and . The fiscal impact of requiring landlords to install equipment in leased buildings.

In order to determine the overall project cost, detail studies that include Radio Frequency (RF) surveys, assessment of building materials, and RF mapping are needed at each facility where wireless networks will be deployed. Each facilty's cost will differ based on the variables listed above.

Sample Cost of Wireless Network for City Employees: As an example, based on a review of proposals for other similar network build outs, a rough cost estimate for deploying wireless local area network (WLAN) at a typical City building can be estimated between $15,000 to $20,000 per floor, including equipment, controllers, access points, installation, cabling and site planning.

Sample Cost of Wireless Network for Public Access: As part of fiscal year 2006-07 budget, ITA has requested funding for equipment and communications services to deploy 2 new public access wireless coverage areas in strategic locations, such as civic centers or key City buildings. The cost for deploying the infrastructure for the public access wireless coverage is estimated at $90,000 for one site. Information Technology and General Services Committee - CF 06-0097

April 26, 2006 Page 4

ITA recommends exploring the establishment of public/private partnerships to minimize City's investment while leveraging the City's infrastructure assets, i.e. light poles, facilities, etc., to build a wireless network infrastructure providing Internet access for the public at City facilities and civic centers.

ITA is leading the strategic initiative to unwire the City of Los Angeles. This initiative unwires municipal buildings and public facilties within 3 years and unwires the entire City within 5 years. In 2006, ITA working with key stakeholders such as the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, and the Department of Water and Power wil issue a Request For Proposal (RFP).

This Council motion is consistent with the long-term plan to unwire Los Angeles and supports the effort of implementing wireless access in municipal buildings.

We trust the information provided herein addresses the Committee's direction. Please contact Mark Wolf, Assistant General Manager, at (213) 485-5100, if you have any questions or require additional information. Respectfully submitted,Ab~

cc: Marcus Allen, Mayor's Office Karen Sisson, Mayor's Office Gerry F. Miller, Chief Legislative Analyst Alvin Y. Blain, Department of General Services ITA Executive Team Attachment A

SUMMARY OF WI-FI- SERVICES AT CITY FACILITIES (As of April 2006)

Van Nuys Civic Center The Los Angeles Wi-Fi Community Network at the Van Nuys Civic Center was developed though a public/private partnership that includes the City of Los Angeles Information Technology Agency (ITA), the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP), and Aiirmesh Communications. The service began in October 2004.

The Wi-Fi mesh network provides wireless access to the Internet and is available at no charge to the public. Anyone in the coverage area with a notebook computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), or other mobile communications device that has wireless network capabilities can use the service to access City information, check e-mail and surf the web. The service is available throughout the outdoor Civic Center area which is about one-block in size. Wi-Fi service is also provided in the construction services public counter area, and the first floor community meeting rooms inside the Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center. Departments and City services that are located in or near the Braude Constituent Service Center include: Office of the Mayor, Council District 6, Office of the City Attorney, Building and Safety, Bureau of Engineering, Planning Department, Department of Transportation, Street Services, Los Angeles Fire Department, and the Van Nuys Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library.

A planned second Phase of a Wi-Fi pilot project at the Van Nuys Civic Center will incorporate the ExperienceLA concept to provide improved web-based City information, local events announcements, access to on-line City services and the Internet for residents, visitors, and City workers using Wi-Fi technology.

Pershing Square, Downtown Los Angeles The Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department (RAP) are hoping to draw more people to Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles by develoring a public Wi-Fi District. Pershing Square occupies a square block from 51h and 61 Streets, between Hill Street and Olive Street. The park is a popular lunch spot for residents, workers and visitors. CRA will assess how the service may encourage patronage of the businesses surrounding the park and to support Recreation and Parks programming activities within the park. Funding is from a CRA grant for the period of two years that will test opportunities for sponsorship and add-on services which might sustain the program. Recreation and Parks has stated that they can help to support the Wi-Fi District after the second year.

The Wi-Fi District was launched in April 2005 and branded ExperienceLA WiFi Pershing Square. Verge Wireless Networks was hired by CRA to install, operate, and support the users of the wireless network. DWP provided connectivity to the Wi-Fi equipment back to One Wilshire for the high speed link to the Internet. DWP used its existing fiber in the street at the northwest corner of Pershing Square for this purpose. Verge Wireless installed two carrier grade Wi-Fi cells from Tropos that use Mesh technology to create a "Wi-Fi Cloud" in the park. CRA is considering expanding the coverage area by installing additional radios. Basic wireless broadband Internet access is provided at no cost to anyone within the service area for a reasonable number of hours per day. The intent is to provide a public service not ongoing home or business Internet service. The wireless network serves mobile users in the park area with broadband Internet leveraging content from ExperienceLA to promote the City, the neighborhood, and Downtown LA. ExperienceLA WiFi signs were provided to Recreation and Parks in November 2005, but have not been installed.

Los Angeles World Airport The City of Los Angeles, Department of Airports (Los Angeles World Airports, "LAWA"), has recommended a concession model to build and operate Wi-Fi networks throughout passenger terminals at the Los Angeles International Airport, Ontario International Airport, and Van Nuys Airport facilities. This would be an interim solution until planned technology infrastructure and security initiatives are completed. This approach utilizes existing telecommunications infrastructure to minimize construction time and cost. Under this plan, a Wi-Fi service provider builds and operates the Wi-Fi network at the Airport Facilities and would pay the City a percentage of fees generated through the operation of the service. Users would pay a fee for access to the WiFi service and a portion of those fees would be paid to the City by the service provider.

Library Department The Los Angeles Public Library is providing public wireless Internet through Wi-Fi "Hot Spots" at no cost to users at the Central Library and fifty (50) of their branch locations, with plans to eventually provide the service in all seventy-one 72 branches. Anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled computer can access the service in select areas within the library facilities. The service is available during library hours. This new wireless service is proving to be a popular addition the public Internet connected computer terminals installed at all branch locations. LAPL staff report that system-wide the Wi-Fi service is getting nearly 10,000 wireless connections per month. Los Angeles Police Department The Los Angeles Police Department is currently using private Wi-Fi networks in and around LAPD substations for the purpose of uploading data collected in the field through the Portable Office Data Device System (PODDS). Authorized personnel can upload data from the PODDS devices over a secure Wi-Fi connection at the Police stations from designated locations where Wi-Fi access points have been installed. Los Angeles Convention Center The Los Angeles Convention Center developed an operational model for Wi-Fi Internet access that is intended to fund itself through services fees. Current rates for service are $4.95/hr, $24.95/day or 64.95/wk for 64K. The network is designed to provide WiFi coverage throughout the facility. Users have the ability to travel anywhere within the 825,000 square feet of exhibit space, and all interior public spaces and exterior plazas, and have access to the WiFi service. On October 27th, 2003 the WiFi Internet service went "live" and became available for client use. A total of fifty (54) wireless access points provide WiFi service in all main areas within the facility including; meeting rooms, the Concourse area, West Hall, South Hall, Petrie Hall, Kentia Hall, and the Foyer and Lobby areas. The wireless Network can support as many as 2000 users or more by adding portable Access Points in congested areas.

2 The service enables the provision of as needed Internet service on the show floor after the point that the show floor has been set up and a hard-line connection is no longer possible. It also provides added convenience for LACC team members that use PDA's and laptops to access the Internet using the wireless network.

3 Attachment B

RECOMMENDED KEY FACILITIES FOR WIRELESS LAN IMPLEMENTATION3

Facility Street Zip Code City Hall 200 N. SprinÇJ Street 90012 City Hall East 200 N. Main 90012 City Hall South 111 E. First Street 90012 Van Nuys City Hall 1441 0 Sylvan Street 91401 Marvin Braude Constituent Service Center 6262 Van Nuys Blvd 91401 Public Works Building 1149 Broadway 9001 5 West Valley Municipal Bldg 19040 Vanowen 91335 West LA Municipal Center 1645 CORINTH AV 90025 Various City Departments 1828 SAWTELLE BL 90025 Eagle Rock Municipal Bldg. 2035 Colorado Boulevard 90041 Municipal Bldg 6501 FOUNTAIN AV 90028 Westchester Municipal Building 7166 Manchester Ave 90045 Watts Civic Center 10221 Compton Ave 90002 South LA Constituent Service Center 8475 Vermont Ave 90044 San Pedro Municipal Bldg. 638 BEACON ST 90731 Public Counter - One Stop Center 201 FIGUEROA ST 90012

3 This short list is compiled based on the level of constituent services provided in that area and/or the population of City workers located in the buildings. A comprehensive needs assessment is recommended to help identify a final list of appropriate City facilities and locations for wireless deployment.