April 9, 2008

Speed to the ‘N’th Degree

When Ohio Wesleyan completes installation of its campus-wide wireless network, it will be among the first universities in the nation to provide the latest, fastest wireless technology on the market.

The University is installing a full 802.11n wireless network, incorporating technology that transfers data at speeds up to six times faster than previously possible. The technology also provides a greater connection range and more reliability than its predecessors.

“This decision will make us one of the first small liberal arts colleges in the country to fully implement ‘n’ technology, and we will join the ranks of universities like Duke, Carnegie Mellon, and Northwestern with this level of wireless network,” says David Robbins, Ph.D., interim president and provost.

Ohio Wesleyan has contracted with Sunnyvale, California-based Aruba Networks, Inc., for the new equipment, which will provide wireless indoor and outdoor Internet access throughout most the University’s 200-acre campus. NeTeam Corporation of Richfield, Ohio, will oversee the implementation.

Theresa Byrd, chief information officer and director of libraries, says work is under way to determine where to install wireless access points to create the most effective network possible. That work will require some access to individual dorm rooms, she notes, and students will be notified in advance of those needs.

Overall, Byrd anticipates more than 400 access points will blanket the campus when the project is completed in September.

“We delayed slightly our implementation to finalize plans to install ‘n’ wireless technology,” Byrd says. “Our students already have begun purchasing laptops with ‘n’ capability, and we expect more students to arrive on campus this fall with ‘n’ computers.

“Our goal is to provide smooth and virtually seamless wireless service for the campus,” she concludes, “and this project will accomplish that. This is an exciting initiative for Ohio Wesleyan.”

Jason LaMar, director of information services, agrees that the decision to move forward with “n” technology puts Ohio Wesleyan “on the cusp of a whole new standard.”

“We could have chosen an existing, slower format, but we chose a forward-thinking strategy,” LaMar says. “It’s really going to put us at the forefront of wireless technology in many ways.”

Those with older wireless equipment, LaMar says, needn’t worry. The new network will also support legacy “a,” “b,” and “g” wireless devices at their maximum speeds.

– Cole Hatcher