University of Montana going wireless in bits

UM test drives on-the-fly Internet access in high-traffic areas

Computer specialists at the University of Montana are preparing campus to become a semi-wireless institution.

By BETSY COHEN of the Missoulian

That means students, faculty and staff will be able to log on to the Internet without a phone line or electrical outlet; Web surfers will be able to grab a burger in the Copper Commons and digest the Net at the same time; and study groups will be able to pore over classroom notes and conduct online research simultaneously.

The campus already has two base stations for the service up and running in the University Center and the Liberal Arts Building. Each station can handle 24 wireless users at a time.

Rick Waldorf, a UM network engineer, said the "beta sites," as they are known, are to "see what kind of response we will get and what kind of demand there will be."

The technology was installed in those sites because they are high-traffic areas and allow UM to test two distinct user environments – the casual setting of the UC and the more formal, lab-like Liberal Arts Building, said Ray Ford, director of UM’s information services.

"Realistically, what we expect is that the use of this technology will sort of trickle in over the next few months, once word gets out," Ford said. "It’s more likely that the use will increase next fall when students come back with portable computers, which keep getting smaller and more affordable."

To tap into UM’s wireless service, users must first register their name and portable computer with Computing and Information Services. All members of the campus community can have access to the service; CIS is still working out the details for individuals such as private researchers who are not affiliated with UM but have a regular relationship with the school.

By registering, UM can provide a greater measure of security for wireless users, Waldorf said.

"Wireless is like a giant party line, and if security measures aren’t in place, it’s a hacker’s dream," he said.

As more money becomes available to upgrade UM’s wireless network, more stations will be added in the UC and the service will become available in the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library.

However, there are no plans for UM to become an all-wireless campus, Ford said.

While wireless has many benefits, such as convenience, it still has some drawbacks, Ford said. For example, wireless is not as fast as traditional high-speed networks and could lead to an increase in computer theft because laptops have become so small and lightweight, he said.

"We are not advertising anytime soon that you can connect to the Internet from any point on campus," Ford said. "Every place that has done this has had some problems with laptops being stolen, and that is something people need to be alerted to.

"Still, it’s a good thing to offer, and I think over time it will become popular on campus."

Reporter Betsy Cohen can be reached at 523-5253 or at [email protected]

http://missoulian.com/articles/2003/03/28/news/local/news02.txt