Minnesota State University Reporter

Issue date: 1/17/08 Section: Technology

Media Credit: Raymond Starin

In today's ever-changing world of high-speed everything, it is no surprise wireless internet can be viewed as old news. It seems wireless internet is everywhere today, making it easy to forget there are many people still using the old-fashioned way of dial up.

Wanting to break away from the old way, Minnesota State received its first taste of wireless in the spring of '98.

"We were one of the first campuses to have wide, wireless coverage since we were involved just at the time it became affordable," said Bryan Schneider, director of technical services at MSU. "Now, wireless is everywhere and it's expected by students to use their laptops anywhere, anytime."

Though one of the first areas on campus with wireless coverage was the Memorial Library, it was also one of the trickiest areas to set up. The wireless radio signals ended up being absorbed by the books, which acted like thick walls, Schneider said.

It is important to understand that wireless has a relatively low power when compared to a device such as a cell phone. Even though MSU has about 300 access points located around campus, the signal can be blocked or reflected by any object in a room or building, including people.

"Under perfect conditions a wireless signal can travel about 300 feet," Schneider said. "If the physical conditions are very wrong you can be 30 feet away from an access point and have difficulty connecting."

Dietetics senior Sam Henning said after she logs on to Mavnet, wireless always seems to work smoothly.

"Overall I don't have any major problems with MSU's wireless internet or Mavnet on my computer," she said.

While not every spot on campus has great wireless coverage when needed, but the spots with the best coverage include auditoriums, classrooms, labs, study areas and outdoor hang-out spots. Faculty offices are known for having some of the worst coverage.

Because of the large amount of laptops used on campus, electrical plugs are one thing Information and Technology Services (ITS) has been installing recently. Another new wireless addition is coverage in lounges and lobbies in the residence halls.

This spring ITS is also hoping to add power to many of the auditorium chairs in both Wiecking Center and Armstrong Hall, Schneider said.

Receiving more complements than complaints about MSU's good technology, ITS is looking to keep that reputation alive and advance with an even faster wireless internet soon.

In the near future ITS hopes to bring WiMAX to MSU. Unlike our wireless now, WiMAX would cover many miles and help eliminate any hotspots students come across on campus.

ITS says it's willing to do anything it can to make student's wireless experience better on campus.

"If students or faculty need access in an area that is not covered, or if it doesn't seem to be working, they should call or e-mail the help desk," Schneider said. "If it looks like a good place to add wireless coverage, we'll add it. If there is a problem, it will be fixed."


Ali Ramsey is a Reporter staff writer

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