Re: Remote Printing via Wireless -- MIDRANGE-L

John,

The idea of wireless is neat - it just extends your network.  So this would
mean that if your AS/400 were on the network there would be no need for the
NT server to be involved at all.  Here are a couple of pitfalls to be aware
of.  IMHO, wireless is still at a stage where I would be very unhappy if I
found out that my family's lives were being bet on it.  I.e. I want known
stable technology being used to dispatch firefighters and paramedics.  At
least here in Tulsa I wish they would not renew the private ambulance
company's contract and put the money into the fire department who is usually
the first responder anyway...but I digress.

1.  Most of the long range wireless devices are line of sight.  (Unless you
plan to pay major $$$, but from your message I see that you are trying to
save money.)  I.e. Just because it can go 5 miles doesn't mean that it will
even work 1/4 mile away.  You will have to investigate towers and any
obstacles that might be in your way, e.g. trees.  Also get info from the
manufacturer as to performance during all kinds of weather.

2.  Use encryption!  Otherwise anyone driving near a fire house with a
laptop and wireless NIC with directional attenna could potentially have
access to your network.  Wireless networks should never be used w/o a VPN
(IMHO).

Chuck

----- Original Message -----
From: <jwalsh@haverfordpolice.org>
To: <midrange-l@midrange.com>
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2001 12:55 PM
Subject: Remote Printing via Wireless


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> I need to send printouts from my dispatching software on a 400 to five
> remote locations ( fire houses.)  I am entertaining three proposals to
> address the connectivity issue.  On of the proposals is to do this using
> wireless.  I like the concept because of the ongoing costs.
>
> As I understand this implementation, I can configure the remote printers
> with a specified outque name and static IP address.  When the application
> sends a printout it will be directed to a specific outque name (the
> software app handles based upon data entered.)   The data would be passed
> to the NT network and routed via wireless based upon the IP address
> established in the printer configuration on the 400.
>
> The os is V4R3 but I will be upgrading to V4R5.
> The furthest remote location is 2.5 miles.
>
> Is there any reason I can't configure a printer this way?  Any suggestions
> on a low end laser printer will work well with V4R3?
> Any experience with wireless printing over this type of distance?
>
> Sergeant John P. Walsh
> Haverford Township Police
> Havertown, PA 19083
> 610.853.1298 x 212
>