Computing and Information Technology is currently focusing on securing reliable Wi-Fi access to residence hall lounges and individual dorm rooms, encouraging the school trustees to hire a contractor to install more wireless routers in recently renovated halls.
The sporadic wireless connectivity on campus continues to spark frustration throughout the student body.
“It always seems to be a bit touchy, especially when you need it the most,” said sophomore Rachael Burganowski.
“I find the wireless connection frustrating and intermittent, often cutting out at the most inconvenient moments,” said freshman Brittany Robinson.
“It seems like I am constantly reconnecting to the server,” said freshman Nikita Rumsey. “The only thing you can rely on about the wireless service is that you will lose it at some point.” According to Susan Chichester, chief information officer and director of CIT on campus, this unreliable wireless access can be attributed to a number of factors.
“In the past, money has stood in the way of installing more wireless access zones in residence halls,” Chichester said.
Though there is said to be up to 150 feet of coverage around each Wi-Fi router, physical obstacles such as walls, people and personal wireless units can interfere with the signal.
“Wireless devices such as printers and gaming systems that are incorrectly configured tend to intercept the Wi-Fi frequencies,” Chichester said. “We are trying to help people by monitoring personal routers and wireless devices that may be incorrectly configured. We are also looking to improve in areas where coverage is reported to be weak.”
CIT is attempting to respond to all complaints about specific areas of unreliable connectivity. They maintain that Ethernet cables are still fast and efficient ways to connect to the network, but they understand that wireless is a more convenient alternative and are making every effort to provide campus-wide Wi-Fi.
Despite complaints, some still feel that CIT is making strides.
“Compared to previous years, there has been a huge improvement in the quality of campus Wi-Fi,” said senior Ben Swanson. “CIT has done a great job.”