[OPLINTECH] New WiFi connection stats reporting / captured portals

[Chris Krumnow]

We just ordered another Meraki. It was about $800. The price includes a 5
year license for the cloud management console, the device and the POE
injector or power cord. The device has a lifetime hardware warranty.

Thanks,
Chris Krumnow
IT Specialist
Defiance Public Library System
Work:419-782-1456
Cell: 419-956-2767
defiancelibrary.org

On Tue, Feb 24, 2015 at 4:47 PM, Chad Neeper <cneeper at level9networks.com>
wrote:

> Going with the device-initiated sessions might actually make things a
> little easier for data collection for us IT types. For small libraries,
> this one stat may still be a disproportionately large burden compared to
> other stats, but on the plus side, if we all report device-initiated
> sessions, the numbers are going to look *REALLY* impressive for people
> that don't know any better! Make a note to splash this stat all over your
> next local levy.  LOL!
>
>
> ______________________________
> *Chad Neeper*
> Senior Systems Engineer
>
> *Level 9 Networks*
> 740-548-8070 (voice)
> 866-214-6607 (fax)
>
> *Full IT/Computer consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and
> schools*
>
> On Tue, Feb 24, 2015 at 4:20 PM, Knapp, Mandy <aknapp at library.ohio.gov>
> wrote:
>
>>  Hello all,
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you for bringing this up, Chad. It’s an important distinction to
>> make. While we’re still waiting for clear guidance from IMLS on this point,
>> I’ve discussed it with the State Data Coordinator and we both agree that
>> everyone should go with the “device initiated” sessions when counting this
>> statistic. Someone earlier in this message string mentioned that these
>> connections are still using library resources. We agree with this point,
>> and think it’s fair to count all connections to the wireless.
>>
>>
>>
>> I think the resource from Colorado State Library that Joe shared is
>> probably the most comprehensive one I’ve seen (this one:
>> http://www.lrs.org/data-tools/public-libraries/strategies-tracking-reporting-wifi-usage/
>> ) but there is also this one from Michigan
>> http://tln.lib.mi.us/dept/technology-services/wifi/files/techcomm/Best_Practices_for_Wireless_Statistics.pdf
>> if you’d like other ideas or points of view.
>>
>>
>>
>> Please know that if you do have any other questions about the statewide
>> statistics,  I and the rest of the State Library team are happy to help.
>> That being said, we’re unable to change many of the definitions as they are
>> set by the federal government. Bless their hearts, as they say in the South.
>>
>>
>>
>> Also, I hate splash pages too J.
>>
>>
>>
>> Take care,
>>
>>  Mandy Knapp
>>
>> Library Consultant
>>
>> 274 E. 1st Avenue
>>
>> Columbus, OH 43201
>>
>> Tel: 614-466-1710
>>
>> Toll Free:800-686-1532 (Ohio Only)
>>
>> Fax: 614-466-3584
>>
>> library.ohio.gov
>>
>>  <https://www.facebook.com/StateLibraryOhio>  *[image: Description:
>> Twitter logo - links to the State Library of Ohio's Twitter page]*
>> <http://twitter.com/statelibohio>  *[image: Description: Blog logo -
>> Links to the State Library of Ohio's blog]*
>> <http://library.ohio.gov/blog/>   <http://pinterest.com/stlibohio/>
>> Share Your Story
>> <http://library.ohio.gov/state-librarian/share-your-story> by telling us
>> how a
>> State Library service or resource helped
>> you or your library.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* oplintech-bounces at lists.oplin.org [mailto:
>> oplintech-bounces at lists.oplin.org] *On Behalf Of *Chad Neeper
>> *Sent:* Tuesday, February 24, 2015 3:28 PM
>> *To:* OPLINTECH
>> *Subject:* Re: [OPLINTECH] New WiFi connection stats reporting /
>> captured portals
>>
>>
>>
>> At the IMLS link you provided, I found that exact same verbiage (minus
>> the Note) for the 2014 definitions:  "#652  Wireless Sessions*  Report the
>> number of wireless sessions provided by the library wireless service
>> annually." The asterisk indicated that it was a new/revised (new) data
>> element for 2014. 2015 isn't posted.
>>
>>
>>
>> So, without any better clarification, I guess it's up to us to decide how
>> to define that? So, I guess if you want to report really high numbers, go
>> with "device initiated" sessions. If you want to report relatively lower
>> numbers, go with "human initiated" sessions.
>>
>>
>>
>> Suddenly, the usefulness of that stat across libraries just went through
>> the floor.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>    ______________________________
>> *Chad Neeper*
>> Senior Systems Engineer
>>
>> *Level 9 Networks*
>> 740-548-8070 (voice)
>> 866-214-6607 (fax)
>>
>> *Full IT/Computer consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and
>> schools*
>>
>>
>>
>> On Tue, Feb 24, 2015 at 3:01 PM, Stephen Hedges <hedgesst at oplin.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> I don't think the feds have written their definition yet. They post those
>> at http://www.imls.gov/research/pls_definitions.aspx.
>>
>> You've probably already seen the instructions for the State Library
>> survey: "Report the number of wireless sessions provided by
>> the library wireless service annually. Note: This includes services used
>> in the parking lot, etc." That's all.
>>
>> It's worth mentioning, since Chad has raised the money question a couple
>> of times now, that managed Wi-Fi services are eligible for E-rate this
>> year. See the 2015 Eligible Services List linked at
>> http://www.usac.org/sl/applicants/beforeyoubegin/eligible-services-list.aspx.
>> (Skip to the 18th page)
>>
>> Stephen
>> --
>> Stephen Hedges, Director
>> Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN)
>> 2323 W. Fifth Ave., Suite 130, Columbus, OH 43204
>> 614-728-5250  ::  hedgesst at oplin.org
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> > From: "Chad Neeper" <cneeper at level9networks.com>
>> > To: "OPLINTECH" <OPLINTECH at lists.oplin.org>
>>
>> > Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2015 2:42:13 PM
>> > Subject: Re: [OPLINTECH] New WiFi connection stats reporting /
>> captured       portals
>> >
>> > Certainly a useful stat to have, but unfortunately, it appears to put
>> yet
>> > another financial burden on small libraries that don't have a capable IT
>> > person on staff to devise a method to reliably collect it. (Well, that
>> could
>> > be a good thing for me, I suppose!)
>> >
>> > So if collecting this stat is really a Thing, does anyone (Steve?) know
>> where
>> > I can go to get a little more official information on it? If it's going
>> to
>> > be a federal requirement, then it would be nice to see the line-item
>> that
>> > mentions it to try to discern what info is to be reported: ie.
>> > "human-initiated" or "device-initiated" connections. It would probably
>> have
>> > an impact on the methods we use to collect the stat.
>> >
>> > Chad
>> > ______________________________
>> > Chad Neeper
>> > Senior Systems Engineer
>> >
>> > Level 9 Networks
>> > 740-548-8070 (voice)
>> > 866-214-6607 (fax)
>> >
>> > Full IT/Computer consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and
>> schools
>> >
>> > On Tue, Feb 24, 2015 at 9:30 AM, Stephen Hedges < hedgesst at oplin.org >
>> wrote:
>> >
>> >
>> > OPLIN making Wi-Fi stats mandatory?
>> >
>> > Nah, this is part of the stats the State Library collects every year.
>> > Although I'll admit, that will be an extremely useful stat to have.
>> >
>> > As I understand it, this stat will be a federal requirement next year
>> (most
>> > of the stats the State Library collects fulfill federal requirements),
>> and
>> > SLO is asking for the stat this year to work out some kinks before the
>> > federal requirement kicks in. If that's correct, it sounds like a wise
>> plan
>> > to me.
>> >
>> > Stephen
>> > --
>> > Stephen Hedges, Director
>> > Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN)
>> > 2323 W. Fifth Ave., Suite 130, Columbus, OH 43204
>> > 614-728-5250 :: hedgesst at oplin.org
>> >
>> > ----- Original Message -----
>> > > From: "Ruchie Rice" < rrice at fcdlibrary.org >
>> > > To: "OPLINTECH" < OPLINTECH at lists.oplin.org >
>> > > Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2015 9:15:17 AM
>> > > Subject: Re: [OPLINTECH] New WiFi connection stats reporting /
>> captured
>> > > portals
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > I hadn’t heard of OPLIN making wi-fi stats mandatory. We used to use
>> > > Bluesocket which used to give us stats but we did away with it a
>> couple of
>> > > years ago because the splash page was not working well with some
>> devices.
>> > > We’d like to keep it that way. Also, we have nine wireless APs among 5
>> > > locations and would hate to have to spend money to get stats. If we
>> could
>> > > use a DHCP solution that would work better for us.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Also, since it is library using resources I agree that human and
>> non-human
>> > > connections should count.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ruchie
>> > >
>> > > Information Technology Coordinator
>> > >
>> > > Fairfield County District Library
>> > >
>> > > 219 N. Broad St.
>> > >
>> > > Lancaster, OH 43130
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > https://helpdesk.clcohio.org/
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working
>> > > together is success” – Henry Ford
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > From: oplintech-bounces at lists.oplin.org
>> > > [mailto: oplintech-bounces at lists.oplin.org ] On Behalf Of Chad Neeper
>> > > Sent: Monday, February 23, 2015 3:52 PM
>> > > To: OPLINTECH
>> > > Subject: [OPLINTECH] New WiFi connection stats reporting / captured
>> portals
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Hello, OPLINTECH:
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > I've been hearing from some of my libraries that they're now going to
>> be
>> > > required to annually report WiFi connection statistics starting with
>> 2015.
>> > > Presently, other than one rogue, none of my libraries collect those
>> stats.
>> > > Being small libraries with only one or two very simple access points,
>> I'm
>> > > pretty sure that most of the devices they're using simply don't
>> provide
>> > > stats on the number of individual network connections. One way to
>> provide
>> > > the statistic would be to implement captive portals and require a
>> human to
>> > > click "I accept" to an Acceptable Use Policy on a splash page
>> whenever they
>> > > try to initiate a browsing session. The captive portal would likely
>> provide
>> > > the required statistics. But it introduced some other questions:
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > 1) The state wants the number of WiFi connections....Are those
>> supposed to
>> > > be
>> > > Human-initiated connections? When I walk into a library, my phone
>> > > automatically establishes a connection and refreshes itself with
>> various
>> > > content, downloading my latest podcasts, synching my e-mail, etc.
>> That's
>> > > the
>> > > behavior I want my phone to do, but I often don't want to open a
>> browser
>> > > session and actually browse to a website on my phone. Sometimes I do,
>> but
>> > > more often, I don't. So should those automatic connections count in
>> the
>> > > stats? If so, then every single patron with a smart phone will likely
>> get
>> > > counted, even if they're just driving by the library and come into
>> range
>> > > for
>> > > a few seconds.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > 2) If the state is only interested in the Human initiated
>> connections, then
>> > > that would pretty much mandate a captured portal and require the
>> click on
>> > > "I
>> > > accept" before a session is permitted. Personally, I hate WiFi
>> hotspots
>> > > like
>> > > that because it interferes with the normal operation of my wireless
>> device.
>> > > I also hate being forced to remember to open a browser and perform an
>> > > action
>> > > after I've tried to figure out for a few moments why my device isn't
>> > > connected properly. In the past, I've even run into locations that for
>> > > whatever reason the captive portal doesn't play nicely with my
>> wireless
>> > > device and I'm just SoL.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > 3) If I need to set up captive portals at each of my small libraries
>> to
>> > > report this stat, should I bill the state directly? My libraries are
>> > > already
>> > > pretty strapped. ;-)
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > 4) Does anyone collect this stat using software that isn't built into
>> their
>> > > wireless access points and isn't a full "I accept" human-interaction
>> > > required captive portal?
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Ideally, I'd have something that's:
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > - 3rd party software only solution independent of any particular
>> vendor's
>> > > access points
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > - Open source
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > - Simple/turn-key (translates to cheap to implement for my small
>> libraries)
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > - Doesn't prevent the normal background function of wifi devices when
>> a
>> > > human
>> > > doesn't specifically want to use their browser
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > - Collects the number of wifi connections that's either
>> human-initiated or
>> > > automatic, depending on which stat the state actually wants to know
>> > > (assuming the state even knows the difference)
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > I know people will probably reply with the names of their own captive
>> > > portals
>> > > or access point manufacturers/models that provide the stats. What are
>> > > others
>> > > planning to do now that this particular stat appears to be more
>> required
>> > > and
>> > > what type of stats you're providing or plan to provide (all
>> connections,
>> > > human-only, whatever)? As much as that, I'm just kind of curious
>> where/if
>> > > this conversation thread goes.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Any comments or thoughts on this?
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Thanks,
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > Chad
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > ______________________________
>> > > Chad Neeper
>> > > Senior Systems Engineer
>> > >
>> > > Level 9 Networks
>> > > 740-548-8070 (voice)
>> > > 866-214-6607 (fax)
>> > >
>> > > Full IT/Computer consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and
>> > > schools
>> > >
>> > > _______________________________________________
>> > > OPLINTECH mailing list
>> > > OPLINTECH at lists.oplin.org
>> > > http://lists.oplin.org/mailman/listinfo/oplintech
>> > >
>> > >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > OPLINTECH mailing list
>> > OPLINTECH at lists.oplin.org
>> > http://lists.oplin.org/mailman/listinfo/oplintech
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > OPLINTECH mailing list
>> > OPLINTECH at lists.oplin.org
>> > http://lists.oplin.org/mailman/listinfo/oplintech
>> >
>> >
>> _______________________________________________
>> OPLINTECH mailing list
>> OPLINTECH at lists.oplin.org
>> http://lists.oplin.org/mailman/listinfo/oplintech
>>
>>
>>
>
>
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> http://lists.oplin.org/mailman/listinfo/oplintech
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>
>


-- 
Thanks,
Chris Krumnow
IT Specialist
Defiance Public Library System
Work:419-782-1456
Cell: 419-956-2767
defiancelibrary.org
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