Low-Cost Wireless Shipboard Local Area Network

"As the Navy is expanding its shipboard information networks, information technology systems requiring wireless technologies are being developed to support increased shipboard information gathering for logistical, personnel, and maintenance-relatedfunctions. Such wireless systems - like the Wireless LAN (WLAN) - offer simplified adaptability for Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) technology refresh over long shipboard lifecycles. Further, they are particularly applicable for collecting systemdata/information from remotely located systems as well as for mobile and un-tethered access to shipboard computer networks.In addition to productivity enhancements, WLANs offer the potential to reduce or eliminate expensive shipboard cabling installations and modifications thereby reducing ship impacts and installation/maintenance costs. The cost savings over a ship'slifecycle when compared with "wired" networks can be quite significant. Further, new ship construction benefits will include costs savings from the drastic reduction or elimination of cable installations, and the increase in space availability and weightreductions associated with shipboard cabling. Despite the significant gains that may be achieved from WLANs, their acquisition and installation costs are a major impediment to fleet-wide implementations. The cost for acquiring and installing separatesystems to satisfy differing wireless requirements including RF LAN access, infrared