Plans to create a wireless network are underway on campus, but students should not throw out their Ethernet cords just yet. Security concerns, the infancy of wireless technology, and the high cost of the project will delay the debut of a full-blown wireless network.
Tisch Library, Ginn Library, and the Health Sciences Library will be the first sites with a wireless network, according to Tufts Communications and Computing Services (TCCS) Associate Director of Data Network Operations Doug Herrick. There are also plans to make the Campus Center wireless-compatible. The network has already been installed and is operative in Tisch.
Eighty-eight percent of respondents in an online survey said they were interested in using a wireless network. According to the survey, the most popular locations for wireless are the library, the Campus Center, dorm rooms, dorm common areas and classrooms. Respondents said they would like to use it for e-mail, Internet access and course info. Herrick said that Instant Messaging was not an option on the survey, but would likely be popular.
Although there is a market for wireless access, Herrick is cautious about advancing too quickly. "Wireless is very much in its infancy," he said.
TCCS is "trying to get [its] bearings with the technology and what students want," Herrick said. There are currently three standards used for wireless technology, and officials are not sure which one will emerge as the universal standard.
Wireless access is different from the network found in dorm rooms because users must share a single signal from a central access point. The speed of the connection depends on the number of users per access point and how much bandwidth is consumed by each user. For instance, AIM and Internet Explorer are better for wireless use than Peer-to-Peer sharing programs that have heavy traffic, like Morpheus. Also, like a radio signal, the signal fades the farther one moves from the access point.
In order to access the wireless network, students will need a laptop computer and the proper wireless Ethernet card. Cards can cost up to $200 and might not have a long shelf life, due to rapidly changing technology. But the cards are available to borrow, free of charge, from Tisch for use in the library. Interested users must fill out an application and have their computer configured for the new technology.
Anyone with a wireless Ethernet card can use the wireless access, whether they are part of the Tufts community or not. This poses a threat to security, since it would make it much easier to spread viruses or gain access to the Tufts network.
Herrick said that most universities have not finalized their wireless networks due to this security threat. Dartmouth College has proceeded with its plans, but Herrick speculated that Dartmouth's rural location reduced security concerns. He said it is likely that Dartmouth was interested in being one of the first to install the network.
While the survey indicates many students would use a wireless connection, not all students are in agreement.
"The whole point for me to go to the library is not to be distracted," freshman Leah Madsen said. She worries that a wireless connection would distract her from studying.
Madsen said she would like wireless access when she works outside on nice days. However, the beam from the access point is easily deflected off leaves, making outdoor use only available during the winter months.
Freshman Gina Kessler does not see the need for her to use the wireless network. "I find my room a suitable work environment, I wouldn't pay the extra fee if I can use it in my room." Kessler suggests using the wireless funds for other projects, like buying more equipment in the gym.
