City Of Long Beach Goes Wireless With Intermec

The weather-proof Intermec MobileLAN 2100 wireless access points, based on the Wi-FiTM 802.11b networking standard, provide a broadband connection to a centrally located switch at speeds up to 11Mbps. In comparison, an average dial-up connection runs at approximately 54Kbps.

To access the system, users simply open their Internet browser, which will automatically load a portal site for Long Beach's Pine Avenue Hot Zone. Users then can check e-mail, download files or just surf--all at speeds up to 50 times faster than with a standard dial-up connection.

The Wireless Internet District, which can accommodate hundreds of users simultaneously, encompasses several blocks in Long Beach’s downtown core, an area of restaurants and retail shops popular with visitors and business travelers. Future plans include extending the wireless network to the convention center, marina area and the Long Beach Airport. The wireless network is designed to allow users to roam throughout the District without losing connectivity. For example, a user may be downloading a presentation while finishing a cup of coffee at a local café.