NGCSU expands wireless network

DAHLONEGA — Laptop and mobile device users at North Georgia College & State University will soon have more options and freedom to access the Internet as the wireless network grows during the next several months.

The first two phases of the project were completed last month by Information & Instructional Technology staff. Phase three, estimated to begin in February and to be finished during fall semester 2008, will provide the majority of campus with wireless coverage, said Dr. Bryson Payne, Chief Information Officer.

“We’ve been focusing first on the areas that students use most,” said Payne. “Our goal is to have a robust, user-friendly wireless network connection available any place that students would reasonably expect to be able to use a laptop or other wireless device.”

The areas most frequently used by students – Hoag Student Center, Stewart Library, Dunlap Hall and Newton Oakes Center – acquired the service first during Phase I of the implementation.

Phase II concentrated on expanding the capability to all classroom areas. Phase III will continue the expansion to the non-academic buildings, including the common areas in the residence halls. Phase IV will finish the project following the completion of the new Library Technology Center in fall 2008. Outdoor antennas will likely be added in the summer near common areas and at the new plaza outside the Stewart Library.

The expansion is in response to students voicing that wireless networking was a priority. Student Technology Fee funds were allocated last year by the Student Government Association, the University Technology Committee and the Student Technology Fee Committee to support the endeavor.

Since August 2007, wireless connectivity services have been available to the NGCSU community and visitors. A few limited-use wireless hot spots have been available on campus for several years, but access to those was restricted to specific events or to NGCSU users only.

“The committees involved in bringing the wireless network to reality made it clear that guest access was a priority, from prospective students to visiting lecturers,” said Payne.

A network access control system will be added beginning in March. This will give priority bandwidth and access to campus resources – such as the network drives – to NGCSU faculty, staff and students when they log on to the wireless service with their Novell ID and password.

“Fall semester we saw peak usage of as many as 120 users per hour using the wireless network, even with little publicity,” said Norman Loyd, assistant network manager. “So far, the Student Center, particularly the Keg and upstairs lounge area, is by far the most popular wireless hangout.”

Loyd implemented the majority of the project with assistance from Jeff Balch, network manager, and Jim Webb, information security officer. John Painter, of Paramount Network Services Inc., performed most of the additional cabling.