Wireless network at compitition.

[ArJubx]

Just a wireless network, no internet connection. Is that legal? I want to setup a database at our pit to have our scouts (other teams are welcome to get info/participate too) be in the stands and just fill out the info into the database.

We are going to the regional at Chesapeake. I know we can't have internet connection or run off of of the 900mhz radio channel. The network will be off of 802.11b (2.4ghz). I'm gonna go with this because of the supurior range, speed is a non issue.

So my question is: Is it legal to setup a regular wireless lan?

BTW I searched for this and came up with no definitive answer.

[Ian W.]

I'm going to go with this is illegal, only because the site (Naval Academy, I believe?) may already have such a system in place, of course, unusable to you, but they won't want another "rouge" network popping up. Another problem could be that FIRST may be using a similar setup for field controls, you obviously don't want to mess with that.

In the case that you can use a WLAN, remember that there will be huge amounts of EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) due to robots and other fun tools in the pits/field. Also keep in mind that other people will be logging on in hopes of finding an internet connection, so keep your computers secure, no shared drives unless you absolutely must.

You best bet for finding out is simply calling up the regional director and asking, but I think they're slightly busy at this time of year ;-). I would go with the assumption that you can't use it, and ask on Thursday morning, and if they say yes, great, if not, well, using a pencil and paper never hurt anyone.

[Stephen Kowski]

i will tell you from past experience we've been told it is illegal if unsanctioned, though you will find them up in the competition....just wander around nationals with a pocket pc with a WiFi card....you will find a few networks.....

They stopped us from doing this in St. Louis (even though we were doing the same type of thing you are planning) this is the reason i believe it is illegal....

Now on the other hand if you clear this with FIRST and the event organizers like SOAP did last year, they had a network for public internet access (it was great sitting in the crowd on the internet) I believe it is fine.....

end result of all my talking is talk with FIRST and the event organizers and clear it with them (it will make life A LOT easier, trust me I know) rather than going there and getting shut down....

[Tim Hawes]

At the BAE Systems/Granite State Regional this past weekend, there were probably 3 or 4 team wireless networks running, FYI.

[_GP_]

our mentor team 140 was running one for scouting... If you can get it working and get the system in place it works pretty well

[Pat Fairbank]

Does anyone know who the "FIRST Robotics" wireless network at the BAE regional belonged to? Was it used by FIRST themselves?

[Scooter]

Last I heard, It was legal as long as it was open to everyone and all of the info transmitted on it was avalible (give no one an advantage).

-Bill

[Mark Hamilton]

As part of SOAP, we set up wireless access at multiple competitions. Clear it with FIRST and the site and you should be ok.

[gl75]

We had a private wireless network up used for scouting software at the NJ Regional. Didn't have any problems from FIRST.

[ArJubx]

Originally Posted by gl75

We had a private wireless network up used for scouting software at the NJ Regional. Didn't have any problems from FIRST.

Thanks for the info guys, I'll try and get in contact with the regional directing people at Chesapeake to get clearance.

Just an update on my progress: I've already got the db setup done, and the data input form, working on search forms, so I should be done by midweek.

[Jeffrafa]

We setup an adhoc network at the Portland Northwest Regional. I think it was secure but im not quite shure. It wasn't functional though, mostly just because we have some computer nerds on our team and they did it because they could

[ArJubx]

This is the scouting form, where data input happens:

Top half of page:


Bottom half of page:

[ArJubx]

Search form by team number, the search forms are designed to present alot of information in a little space, condensed for easy viewing.
Data Input:


Top of page:


Repeating Sections, these show up for each database entry that has the inputed team number:

[Nick Fury]

A bit of information on security and wireless networks. It doesn't exist. 802.11b/a/g are all really crappy for security. If you plan on using a WEP key then it is found out very easily using a program like AirSnort or even Ethereal with a plugin or two. I like the idea of setting up a wireless lan at regionals though. Wireless is extremely fun to play around with and I hope that someone will be kind enought to set one up at the SC regional. Anyway, just some info. on wireless network security. Also, if you find that a network is insecure then tell the admin of the network or fix the problem yourself and then tell the admin. Don't just leave it vulnerable.

[gl75]

Wow. Looking really good. I noticed the pages are running locally. Are you going to transfer it to a server, or just run individual clients on laptops?

Here are some screenshots from Team RoboRaider's scouting application (WebObjects):









Then of course, the deployment...