04/09/05
By Amanda Cochran,
News/Online Editor
Throughout April and May 2005, the Computer and Information Technologies (CIT) Department at Seton Hill University (SHU), in conjunction with Hobnob, Inc., will initialize a wireless internet pilot program in Reeves Library, which may expand throughout the SHU campus.
The CIT Department will begin by testing throughout the library for the best possible placement of wireless Wave-Guide transmitters, said Fred Billman, acting executive director of CIT. The wireless service will be open to students soon. "Before summer, we want students to be able to sit outside and use the network," said Billman.
Hobnob, Inc. will be providing the wireless service. Hobnob, Inc. has worked with the SHU CIT Department previously with internet security in the dorms by installing computer scans and working out virus issues. According to Aron Hall, CEO and founder of Hobnob, Inc., "With problems eliminated on the dorm network…we can carry it [wireless internet pilot] out in a cost-effective manner."
The wireless internet application at SHU will enable students, faculty and even SHU visitors access to the internet. "Just as long as you don't abuse the network, it's open," said Hall. "Fred [Billman] will adjust the policy [for SHU]."
"We'd like to have a more open network within reason," said Billman.
Billman addressed the security issue involved in a wireless network. "It's always a concern that someone is looking at [your] computer," he said, "but if something fishy were going on they [Hobnob, Inc.] would be out of here in a heartbeat."
Brian Dawson, CIT network coordinator, said, "Students got concerned [in the dorms], but Hobnob is not looking at your computer."
Hobnob, Inc. incorporates a code encryption into the internet signal, which continuously changes. "Other people sitting out, for example, on the [Sullivan] lawn can't pick up your messages," said Billman.
The SHU network, complete with I-Drive access for students, will not be available through the wireless internet pilot, said Billman. "But it may be possible in the future," he said.
The pilot program is not the first wireless internet attempt at SHU. A wireless bridge currently exists between Brownlee Hall and the Project Forward building, as well as wireless access in one Maura Hall classroom and from the SHU administration building into Greensburg. According to Dawson, some of the connections have been installed for four years or more.
"[The wireless internet connection] is an add-on to everything we have on our campus," said Billman.
Billman also said the CIT Department be increasing the bandwidth on the SHU network "sometime this summer."
"People will really notice the difference," said Hall.
To view all articles by this writer Click here.