CLANs - Classroom area networks

1. CLANs - Classroom area networks Andrew Stratton A.Stratton@shu.ac.uk

2. Raspberry Pi • Linux based ‘cut downmobile phone’ • New Technology • Old performance • SD Card boot and disk • Debian image standard • Python on board • and Scratch • Micro USB power – can power from laptop • Optional • HDMI/AV output • USB Keyboard + Mouse • Ethernet • PIO for VERY cheap/easy access to custom I/O

3. Mobile Based Internet Access Wireless Access Point Wired Wifi Wireless access points have SSID (and encryption) Laptop 3G Internet provider Wired Mobile Mobile 3G Wireless Access Point Wifi

4. Pirate Box Laptop Wifi • Ad hoc, local wireless access • SSID can be anything • Security risk... • May not have encryption • (very) local wireless file server Filestore Wifi LinuxBox Wireless Access Point

5. Wifi Direct – new standard • Replacement for Bluetooth? • Devices become Wireless Access Points, e.g. • printer • scanner • camera • file store • Devices broadcast an SSID for connection • Accessible from any wifi device • Laptop • Smartphone • Tablet • Console • etc. • Generally need to install an application/driver

6. Classroom Area Networks Laptop • (very) local Wireless Web Server • n.b. Typically NO Internet Access • May be called ‘Personal Area Networks’ LinuxBox Wireless Access Point Wifi Web Server Smartphone Application Server Tablet Local Database

7. Clientside Software • Html 5 Browser based applications: • jQuery Mobile (library) • Javascript+CSS library based on jQuery • Cross platform • Application cache • The application works offline • i.e. when the CLAN server is unavailable • Local Storage • Allows persistent data on the client device, e.g. • user id • application data, e.g. answers to questions, downloaded feedback, etc. • Client application is ‘installed’ from the Server

8. Serverside Software • Most Serverside technologies available • dotNET presently an issue • Windows is missing a ‘piece’ of the puzzle • Suitable are: • LAMP - Apache / MySql / PHP • Ruby on Rails • Node.js • Python • Java and JSP • Groovy on Grails

9. Proof of concept - Quiz Laptop • Nokia Internet Tablet • Slow processor, low memory, linux based • equivalent to Raspberry Pi (but available at the time  ) • Deliberately not ‘industry’ strength • Local IP client address allocated by DHCP • Domain name redirection • e.g. google.co.uk will load local web server pages • Uses ‘dnsmasq’ – Linux software Wifi N810 InternetTablet Smartphone Wireless Access Point Tablet webpy static files Html 5jQuery Mobile webpy application Sqlite Database

10. Proof of concept - Quiz • jQuery Interface

11. Proof of concept - Quiz • Sqlite persistence • jQuery Mobile widgets

12. Proof of concept - Quiz • Admin interface • Extend Database

13. CLAN Benefits • Can be used anywhere (within range) • Up a mountain, on a coach/ship/train/plane • In schools with no wifi/internet/login • In Hallam • Allows any server software, i.e. • No need to ask IT Services    • But - no support from IT Services  • Technical demonstrations, e.g. • Ruby on Rails • Wireless Game server • Runs locally • Runs only while switched on

14. On Campus ideas • ‘Regular’ classes: • Registering physical attendance at seminar/lecture • Giving immediate (anonymous) feedback • e.g. ‘traffic light cups’ • ‘Throw away’ comprehension tests • Open days - Quick, easy access to • Course and/or module details • Timetable • Personal/anonymous questions • Registering interest

15. Off Campus ideas • Coach/field trip, e.g. • reading objectives (class resources) • choosing groups • submitting findings report • giving feedback • School/College visits • Same as Open Days • Take the data with you... • Potential for ‘anywhere’ setup • e.g. Train Station, Students Union, Library, etc. • May allow ‘uncool’ access

16. Conference usage • Bring wireless network with you • No need to setup security logins on site • All setup can be done offsite and then moved • No need for even a power supply • Allow registration by smartphone • Have to be physically present  • Database can be copied at end (or disposed of) • Reduce registration queues • No need for a desk • Registration staff could walk around the registration area  • While attendees chat/relax/network

17. What CLANs are unlikely to be • A way to access the internet • Can be – but mostly pointless • Persistent environments • Since not always available • But can cross multiple sessions • NoSql databases could allow syncing to internet • Available from the internet • Just local (wifi) access only • But Ethernet is on board (model B RPi)

18. Issues • Availability of Smartphones • Could share one • e.g. guest access with ‘split’ screen or tabs • Only one connection – so no Internet access • No email, blackboard, wikipedia, facebook, twitter, etc. • Could be a good thing • Html 5 Browser • Becoming much more popular/available • Technical issues • Susannah’s mobile didn’t work  • Wireless contention • Security • But – raises awareness of ‘hijacking’ possibility • Performance

19. Next - Raspberry Pi CLAN • Similar power to n810 • Cheap • Runs linux (debian) • Includes python as standard • Boots from an SD card • Can have different images for different purposes • Swap card to swap class !? • Can power from a laptop • HDMI output (if needed) • But - some Wifi Driver issues – early days...

20. Thank you Now I need your ideas... A.Stratton@shu.ac.uk