RU Goes Wireless
With a laptop computer and an 802.11B or 802.11G card the Internet
may be accessed anywhere on campus without having any wires attached.
By: Emily Morris
RADFORD-Radford University is among the leaders in schools
to receive the latest form oftechnology, having a wireless network. “This
is a further step in the march toward ubiquitous computing, that is anytime
and anywhere computing,” said Ray Kirby, Director of InformationTechnology
Resources
Having wireless access capabilities means that anyone with a laptop
and the correct card can log online from any location. “Basically
you can use your laptop anywhere without needing to have connectivity
to the wall to get on the data network,” said Todd Joyce of Networks
Services.
“ It introduces an element of convenience to the students,” said Kirby, “ Because
they are no longer constrained by the need for a physical connection, such as
that in a residence hall or a computer lab.”
The wireless network will also benefit the faculty. Classes that are
generally performed in computer labs can be moved to different locations,
creating a better learning environment. “Faculty will find innovative
ways to enhance the teaching/learning transaction within the classroom
itself or even outdoors when that is appropriate to the material,” said
Kirby.
“ I would love to have classrooms where all the students have access to
working laptops,” said Dr.
Bill Kovarik, media studies professor, “If
the system worked correctly, we could have interactive research and training,
running commentaries on lectures and videos, online paperless testing and all
kinds of enhancements that aren’t imagined now.”
However with advancing technology comes some various problems to be worked
thorough. The first conflict with the wireless system is the security. “The
biggest security problem is called a Drive by,” said Joyce, “That
is when a hacker drives by RU and gets on our network and uses it for
malicious attacks on other places.”
“ We are purchasing a solution that will require you to stay you’re
an RU person using your log on and password like you do for the portal before
you can get on the wireless,” said Joyce. This will prevent outside users
from using RU’s wireless network. This security will be installed by August.
“Another issue that may arise is having technology assistance center support,” said
Joyce. “We will have multiple laptops with multiple vendors of cards and
people trying to get them to work,” said Joyce, “Part of our process
will be getting documentation out there for people to see the basics of how this
is installed.”
“Our technical team will undoubtedly have to work through technical glitches
along the way, but we have a very capable staff and they’re ready for the
challenge,” said Kirby.
Wireless connections were started at RU in 1999. In 2000 Waldron was
installed with wireless making it the first building on campus to have
wireless. Wireless connections are now available in Heth, Peters, Waldron,
Walker, McConnell Library, Dalton and in the Dedmon Center Arena. This
progress will change weekly,” said Jim Brogdoen, of Network Services.
It takes approximately two days to wire a building the size of Jefferson
for wireless capabilities. “The wiring has began,” said “Joyce
it’s a matter of installing the access points.” There are
approximately nine access points in each building.
But now with about fifty percent of campus complete with this technology,
at the fast pace in which workers are installing this, the entire campus
will be wireless equipped by August of this year. “The University
administration felt that for us to stay competitive with other institutions
that this was something that needed to be done,” said Brogdoen.
“ I think that this is an advancement for this University that will put
us in a position that other schools are not in,” said Joyce.
If you would like more information on wireless networks you can contact
Todd Joyce at 831-7777or email him at tjoyce@radford.edu.
Read more on how wireless networking works by clicking here.
|
