log on in Long Beach

Visitors to downtown Long Beach can now log on to the Internet for free as long as they're within the bounds of the city's Downtown Wireless Internet District. The wireless network has access points provided by Intermec Technologies Corp. All visitors need is a laptop or a personal digital assistant equipped with Microsoft Windows Pocket PC and an 802.11b wireless radio card. Intermec's Mobile LAN 2100 wireless access points provide users with a broadband connecti onto a centrally located switch at speeds of upto 11 Mbps, the company says. The Wireless Internet District, which can accommodate hundreds of simultaneous users, includes several blocks in Long Beach's downtown core. The city plans to extend the network to the convention center, marina area and the Long Beach Airport.