Wireless network at compitition.

[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.