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ISS News: Wireless Computer Networks and HHD The Team Technology Center Wireless computer network equipment that complies with the IEEE802.11 standard has been in existence since 1997. ISS installed the first operating wireless network in our college in 2001 for the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Recreation Management. Room 117 Mateer, which is known as the Team Technology Center (TTC) includes 32 Dell laptops. By virtue of wireless network connections and internal batteries, the laptops in the TTC can be used anywhere in the room. Students are free to arrange their project groups however they desire to work on team assignments that require college network and internet accessible resources. This freeform approach to instruction has been very valuable to the faculty in the School. CHHDIRR In the summer of 2002, we installed our second wireless network in room 101 East Health and Human Development Building. In that room, the College of Health and Human Development Instructional Resource Room or CHHDIRR for short, we have 20 Dell laptops networked via wireless connections that can be used for a variety of activities, from video conferencing to seminars to basic classroom instruction. The Water Tower In 2003, we leaned heavily on one of the benefits of wireless technology to provide network and internet access for computers in a building that presented a formidable challenge to the installation of conventional wired networks. This building, the Water Tower, had no usable pathways to pull wires through from floor to floor to create a local network so a wireless system was installed. This network provides much needed network access for the research projects that are housed in this building. Pilot Projects Early in 2004, we installed a test network in 110 North Henderson Building, the Living Center. This network has not been used on a regular basis, only when its existence has provided a convenience for ISS or Dean's Office activities in the Living Center. Also in 2004, we embarked on a pilot project to evaluate various wireless network access control systems so we could provide wireless access to paying clients as requested. The technology was in its infancy and, due to the cost of equipping all college buildings, the project was scrapped. We did learn quite a bit about the pros and cons of this equipment even though we did not deploy any. Direction All of our previous wireless networks can be considered "private networks." Access to the college network and the internet was limited in some manner. These networks were not open to the general public. This year, we are beginning to look toward the central Penn State Information Technology Services (ITS) group for a wireless solution. We will be installing their SecureNet Assist wireless system in South Henderson Building as a pilot project. This type of installation is open to anyone with a valid Penn State Access Account. As we add wireless access points in and around the offices in South Henderson, we will provide a new convenience for those in these areas who have wireless laptops or PCs and desire the freedom and ease of operation that wireless computer networking provides. Only a simple VPN client software package will be needed for these wireless equipped PCs to "join the network." More information on this project is available here. |
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