WiFiAdmin: an intelligent Web-based management environment for wireless networks

Wireless network communities face a number of difficulties due to lack of integration between network and community resources management. In this work, we present a novel solution and we outline the architecture, design and implementation of an intelligent Web based management system for metropolitan area wireless network communities. The system supports multi-user and personalization features combined with wireless node configuration and monitoring, in a portal-like environment. Additionally to the software discussed, a test-bed implementation is presented to confirm platform and software robustness and cost-effectiveness of the proposed solutions. The overall environment is already operational for two years, while user and administrators' feedback has been incorporated into the system in a regular manner. Evaluation of the work has been performed in the online wireless network environment by computer and communication engineers and it strongly indicates that the proposed mechanism is both effective and efficient. Finally, future steps and enhancements are discussed.