CSUN’s wireless Internet access growing

Mark York
Daily Sundial

Last spring, CSUN implemented a wireless Internet connection availability campus-wide in order to allow students to work online from many locations without waiting for an available terminal in computer labs or the Oviatt Library.

“We have a substantial investment, over $250,000, in the system,” said Yvonne Davis, director of Network Engineering and Operations for the Office of Information Technology Resources at CSUN. “We have the most unwired access of any CSU campus.”

There are now over 270 access points on campus and 80 percent of the campus is covered, said Rangit Philips, head engineer for the wireless program.

“The plan is to cover 90 percent of the campus,” Davis said.

“Any laptop with a standard 802.11b, or the faster G designation wireless card, will work,” Phillips said.

The lobby desk at the library has 20 laptops available for loan to any CSUN student. Students can check one out and use the wireless system anywhere on campus.

“This is a commuter school,” Davis said. “Students are here all day and can’t always get a wired terminal to work on projects while they wait to go to classes later in the day. Some classes are turning rooms into wireless labs to save space.”

“The total number of users that have used the wireless system is approximately 6,000, based on our log files,” said William Hardy, director of ITR User Support Services.

“There is excellent reception, even in the hallways,” Phillips said.

“Students can sit on the balcony at the Sierra Center and surf the Web,” Davis said.

Access from a number of parking lots will be added in Spring 2005.