Wireless capabilities extend for students
Information Technology is broadening its wireless reach.
Kary Larsen, Help Desk consultant, said, “[Wireless] is like the difference between a corded and a cordless phone. If your computer is going to stay put, then a cord is fine. But, we’ve actually seen students download a professor’s lecture and take notes in class.”
Kevin Grover, network systems specialist, said, “Wireless is an addition to the standard data network. It uses the same technology.”
Kim Marshall, director of Network and Computing Services, said the reason they made wireless available is “so students could have access to the university network where they don’t have to plug in.”
It also gives students a faster connection than a dial-up modem and the ability to access information on campus with their own equipment. Faculty can use the wireless network to facilitate teaching. That’s why it was established first in the classrooms, he said.
To connect to Utah State University’s wireless network, an 802.11b Ethernet card must be installed into a laptop, personal digital assistant or other wireless-ready device.
Larsen said after obtaining a card, there are two ways to access the Internet. One can either configure the browser to go through the USU proxy server or the Cisco VPN (Virtual Private Network) client. He said access to the VPN requires a USU username and password, while the USU proxy server does not.
Grover said the USU proxy is faster for commonly accessed Web pages but is not as secure. Conversely, the VPN “is not perfect, but it is about as secure as we can get with the existing technology,” he said.
Marshall said they maintain the system’s security by keeping current on available patches.
Grover said, “A good rule of thumb is to use the proxy when you are doing things you would feel comfortable with someone in the lab looking over your shoulder.”
Marshall said secure data, including a social security number, password and Visa card information should go through the VPN server.
Grover said they first focused on readying academic areas for wireless access but are pursuing wireless capabilities in places such as The Hub, The Junction and the Quad Side Café.
The physical aspects of a room or area play a big role in wireless capability, he said. Because wireless operates on radio waves, it can go through a sheetrock wall. Ceramic or mortar walls, such as those found in Old Main, can confine wireless access to a single room.
“Each instance is unique, and you have to go in and evaluate it,” he said.
There are virtually no access areas outside, because they would only be used for a few months of every year, and laptops generally don’t work well in direct sunlight. But that doesn’t mean certain places are not being considered.
USU presently hosts several wireless networks. One is for an agricultural project that connects to Providence. The other joins USU to the airport. There is also a point to North Logan coming.
“If you can see the roof of the Spectrum, you could put up an antenna and get the wireless equipment to connect,” Grover said.
A map of the wireless coverage on campus, wireless policies and configuration instructions for computers, and portable devices can be accessed at the Help Desk Web site at helpdesk.usu.edu/wireless/. Any questions can be directed to the Help Desk staff at 797-4358.
-dhegsted@cc.usu.edu