Spring Break
Wireless access coming to a computer near you
Cassandra Bluett
Issue date: 9/22/05 Section: Student Life
Western students will soon have access to wireless Internet on campus. Wireless will be available in the Global Resource Center, Miller library, Student Memorial Building corridor, and the cafeteria in just a few weeks. WNMU's Information Technology (I.T.) department chose to center wireless on areas where most students and visitors concentrate.
"We brought the idea to the student senate," says I.T. staff member Duane Elms. "It's convenient for students when the computer labs aren't open," said student Ambassador and ASWNMU Senator, Jennifer Wright.
Six access points will be put in across campus, each able to handle up to 200 users, so I.T. doesn't expect users to have any problems logging on. Also, the network is isolated from the other campus network, allowing for a speedy Internet capability. If wireless appears successful, I.T. will look at expanding the network into other areas of the campus.
"It is a good choice. I rely a lot on the internet when I do research," says Giann Carlo Mendoza, WNMU student.
The new network, however, is no more secure than the other campus network. Elms advises students to not make purchases with credit cards using a wireless connection.
I.T. is also offering extended hours available at the Global Resource Center (GRC). Monday through Thursday, the computer lab will be open from 8:00 am to midnight. The GRC Lab is also open Friday 8:00 to 3:00, Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00, and Sunday from 3:00 to 11:00. "We will monitor the traffic," says Elms, "so that the lab remains open when students need it the most."
"We're trying to make sure kids get the most for their money," states Elms. The Student Technology Fee, one of the many fees students have to pay every semester, pays for these newly available conveniences.
"Having them open late will allow people with other obligations to do homework later at night," states Erika Higley.
"We brought the idea to the student senate," says I.T. staff member Duane Elms. "It's convenient for students when the computer labs aren't open," said student Ambassador and ASWNMU Senator, Jennifer Wright.
Six access points will be put in across campus, each able to handle up to 200 users, so I.T. doesn't expect users to have any problems logging on. Also, the network is isolated from the other campus network, allowing for a speedy Internet capability. If wireless appears successful, I.T. will look at expanding the network into other areas of the campus.
"It is a good choice. I rely a lot on the internet when I do research," says Giann Carlo Mendoza, WNMU student.
The new network, however, is no more secure than the other campus network. Elms advises students to not make purchases with credit cards using a wireless connection.
I.T. is also offering extended hours available at the Global Resource Center (GRC). Monday through Thursday, the computer lab will be open from 8:00 am to midnight. The GRC Lab is also open Friday 8:00 to 3:00, Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00, and Sunday from 3:00 to 11:00. "We will monitor the traffic," says Elms, "so that the lab remains open when students need it the most."
"We're trying to make sure kids get the most for their money," states Elms. The Student Technology Fee, one of the many fees students have to pay every semester, pays for these newly available conveniences.
"Having them open late will allow people with other obligations to do homework later at night," states Erika Higley.
