What Has Been Done?

I am sure that most are aware that the old “IWU Secure” wireless network SSID has gone away. You should also notice that a new “IWU-Wireless” SSID has appeared. This is a stronger encrypted and safer wireless network than it’s predecessor. Not only has all the pre-existing wireless buildings been upgraded (Ames, Shaw, CNS, Memorial Center, Hansen, Buck, Stevenson, etc…), but there are a couple of new areas as well. These areas include; the Welcome Center, Harriett House, East Street Apts., Adams Hall and soon the President’s House. The new wireless is safer, more cost effective and easier to implement. This will be it’s strong suit for future deployments. Any concerns or questions regarding the new wireless and access to it, please refer to IT’s web page and 3900.

What Are We Doing?

A question I frequently ask myself, but I can answer with regards to wireless favorably. Currently we are working to get an “IWU-Guest” wireless SSID going. I know a lot of you have seen it. I have watched you try to authenticate to it. Heehee. Anyway, that is an up and coming SSID that will allow formal guests of IWU access to external web services. This id is designed for people that need web access for presentations, demonstrations etc… This is not a, “Hey, my friend needs access” kind of thing. Guest access of this kind needs to be requested in advance and will be offered to the user for a specific amount of time. The guest account will terminate after this time. This service is coming soon.

We are also working on getting PMA/SAI back on the IWU network. After the horribly unfortunate event that left PMA and SAI w/o access to IWU network, SAI has had to gain access to the internet via Comcast. This was no picnic for SAI and we surely appreciate their patience in dealing with Comcast. We know it has not been easy. Since PMA has had their house repaired, it is time to start getting them connected back to the network. This wireless point to point access that runs from these two Greek houses back to Martin Hall will be faster and much more reliable than the solution that was there before. Also, an added benefit is that SAI’s network connection will not be dependent upon PMA’s anymore.

Where Are We Going With Wireless?

As you know, finances in this economy are questionable at best. We will promise to deliver whatever we can with whatever we get. But, as I should point out, this year a brand new thing happened here at IWU that might tip our hand a bit as to where we want to see wireless services go. This year was the first year that IWU sponsored wireless was put into dorms. As I noted earlier, wireless was installed in Harriett, Adams and East. Provided that the finances keep coming through, I believe that we will see much more of this in the future.

A friendly tip, if you have any opinion one way or another as to how wireless access should be deployed in the coming years, please don’t be shy and let IT know your opinions. It truly helps us to know where the student body is wanting these services.