College Installs New Wireless Network
By CHRISTINE FRANKS, Staff Writer
As part of the new wireless networking pilot program, students and faculty will now be able to access the Internet in certain locations around campus without using an ethernet cable plugged into a jack.

According to Director of Information Technology Philip Fitz, the school has installed wireless hubs in Frost Library, the music library, the science library and the Keefe Campus Center, making it possible for those with a laptop computer and the proper equipment to use the Internet anywhere in these locations.

"We haven't heard a lot so far, but the people who have tried it have liked it a lot," Fitz said.

Fitz added that while the College has not taken steps to expand the network to the freshman quad, several students have reported being able to use the network while in the quad, probably because of a signal coming from the library.

Computers require a wireless network card in order to connect to the network, which costs $150 to $200. The cards are also available on a trial basis for students to work in the libraries or the Campus Center. Faculty and academic staff will also have access to these cards.

Fitz said that if the program is successful, the College is likely to expand the wireless network over the next three years to other locations, including classrooms, faculty offices, and even freshman dorms.

Issue 07, Submitted 2000-10-25 15:01:45