The University has a technology available to students that many may not know about. It’s called wireless networking and enables students to use the Internet without having to use a wire or physical connection.
Currently there are approximately 14 different buildings on campus that receive coverage in at least one area of the building. Microcomputing Network Specialist Dan Albrich said that Network Services is actively expanding current wireless coverage on campus.
“Wireless deployment has been increasing this year fairly dramatically,” Albrich said.
In the future, Network Services wants to expand wireless coverage to eight new locations, including the Student Recreation Center, Hendricks Hall, Straub Hall and a number of other campus buildings.
“Ultimately, we would like to have wireless networking available anywhere on campus that students may choose to study,” Smith said. “This will be a many-year process, though.”
Albrich said the two-way radio technology used by the wireless network is not hard to understand because it basically works in the same way as digital cordless phones.
“The base is called an access point and needs hard-wired Ethernet connection and power,” Albrich said. “Access points share a connection wirelessly with those within range who are using a compatible wireless card and computer.”
In order for students to be able to utilize the wireless network, they need a computer — ideally a laptop — and a wireless card. Cards for both PCs and Macs can be purchased at the University Bookstore and other retailers and can cost anywhere from $60 to $150.
Albrich said the most common issue causing problems for students is differences in operating systems and software. However, Microcomputing Services in 151 McKenzie can help any student, faculty or staff member with wireless connections free of charge.
Network Services Director Dale Smith said the University wireless network currently supports devices conforming to the 802.11b standard. Students must be careful when purchasing their wireless cards to check the box and make sure “802.11b” is printed on it so the card will be compatible.
Students can get access to the wireless network without spending a lot of money by borrowing a wireless card from the Documents Room, 175 McKenzie. Students are required to leave a $20 deposit when they borrow a card, but they receive a full refund after returning it.
Lab assistant Chris Diaz said that on a weekly basis, about 10 students use the lending service. Diaz said that overall, students are pleased with the speed of wireless Ethernet but would like more locations across campus to have access to the wireless network.
Before new locations are ready to provide access to the wireless network, several things must be accomplished Smith said. First, Network Services must survey the building to determine the best place to establish an access point because concrete, steel and books can interfere with signal strength.
After the access point location has been selected, Network Services must establish a hard-wired network connection and test
the coverage.
Smith said establishing new access points takes about eight hours of labor. He said the technology
is becoming increasingly popular, but it costs about $2,500 to make a new location ready for wireless Internet.
“Almost every University is doing this,” said Smith. “Additionally, you will find airports, Starbucks and any place folks hang out are doing this.”

Wireless coverage on campus
• Allen Hall: Most areas
• Chiles: All areas
• Columbia Hall: Room 150 and surrounding area
• Computing Center: All areas
• Deschutes Hall: All areas
• EMU: Most public areas, plus outdoor spaces
• Fenton Hall: Math Library
• Knight Law School: Most open public spaces
• Knight Library: Most public spaces
• Lawrence Hall: Most areas
• McKenzie Hall: Most areas
• Onyx Bridge: Science Library
• PLC: Room 180 and surrounding area
• Willamette Hall: Most areas

Areas scheduled to get service
• Carson Hall: The dining room and Gold Room
• Education: Public spaces
• Hamilton Hall: Dining hall
• Hendricks Hall: Public spaces
• North Site (Millrace): Fine arts and Millrace buildings
• Pacific Hall: Architecture studios on the first and second floors
• Straub Hall: Study areas on the first floor
• Student Recreation Center: Areas where students may want to study

— Source: Microcomputing Service