Eastman Quad goes wireless

ant to check e-mail while basking in the sun or send Mom an instant message while studying in the stacks? Now it's possible thanks to the new wireless project sponsored by Information Technology Services (ITS).

Part of a five-year plan to make River Campus mobile-friendly, the first phase of the project--expected to go live on August 18--will bring wireless service to the Eastman Quadrangle, Rush Rhees Library, and Wilson Commons. Students can use their own laptops and PDAs to access the Internet, check grades, send e-mail, and search library resources.

"This is an early example of the kinds of changes I expect we'll see on campus tied to the IT strategic plan adopted a little over a year ago," says Provost Charles E. Phelps. "In this particular case, wireless capability on campus responds to the rapidly evolving expectations of our University community--not only faculty and students, but prospective students as well."

"Students are coming to the University wanting more mobility than ever before," says Philip Ponella, ITS director of academic technology. "This new service recognizes how students work and live, providing flexibility and convenience. Students will be able to work on projects and check e-mail while relaxing on the Eastman Quad or working in collaborative groups in Rush Rhees. Students will no longer need to make a special trip to a computer lab to access the Internet, and they will be able to use their own devices, anytime of day or night, in these locations."

Prior to accessing wireless service on campus, students must first register for a Net ID and password. Once they are registered, students can access service in any of the designated areas by logging in and can move from one location to another without losing connection. To ensure security, the system provides encryption service to protect all transmissions from broadcast or tracing.

ITS will offer a demo and registration session at the Technology and Campus Services Expo August 25-26 in the Fieldhouse of the Goergen Athletic Center, where students can register for their Net IDs as well as e-mail addresses and telecommunication and other ITS services. Representatives will be on hand at the Expo to answer questions regarding equipment specifications and technical details, and to provide assistance in configuring student laptops or PDAs. In addition, the ITS Center will provide ongoing support for installing and using wireless cards.

"The ITS Center will also have several Mac and PC laptops configured for wireless access," according to Al Padeletti, manager of the ITS Center. Students can borrow a laptop to use anywhere in the wireless zone.

Students who are interested in purchasing equipment can visit ITS Computer Sales & Service, located in Fauver Stadium on the River Campus, which offers a full line of wireless 802.11b WiFi compliant cards ranging from low to high performance as well as wireless-ready laptops and PDAs. For more information, visit www.rochester.edu/its/css.

The next phase of the project, scheduled to get under way in July 2004, will expand wireless service to include classrooms and lecture halls. "The goal is to create environments where the physical elements are no longer obstacles. Students can capture, create, and share information, and technology supports the efforts," says Jeanette Metzger, ITS project manager of the wireless computing effort. "It's a whole new way of thinking about technology."

For updates on the project, or to learn more about wireless on campus, visit www.rochester.edu/its.

Maintained by University Public Relations
Please send your comments and suggestions to:
Public Relations.