Wireless login to be quicker on campus

November 2, 2009 —

Connecting on campus is about to get a little easier.

Cell phone reception might remain the same, but more changes to wireless Internet access are on the way.

“The wireless Internet runs pretty well, considering all the students connected, but it’s a hassle to log in every time,” said Christina Leal, a health science sophomore.

That hassle won’t last long. An upcoming upgrade to the network will only need students to register their computers once.

“The vendor hopes to get the system set up in two weeks, but it might be longer,” said Kenneth Schindler, executive director of Information Technology Services.

The upgrade won’t be the first big change to hit wireless users. Last January, SVSU switched its Internet provider from Campus Manager to SafeConnect.

The change brought many benefits.

“With the new system, we can see if a machine is getting a good wireless signal, what access point they are connected to, what IP they have,” said Brandon Smith, computer information systems and management senior.

But it doesn’t eliminate the need for security. Smith recommends that students run an antivirus scan once a week.

On campus, the new service offers about 300 hotspots for wireless connection. These are placed in the areas most commonly used by students.

In addition, the new Arbury wing and the Health Science Building will increase the number of wireless hotspots.

The switch to SafeConnect also afforded a better connection, so now all residential halls have Internet access.

When freshman moved in this fall, the number of problems connecting was cut in half from previous years.

“Overall, SafeConnect was the best option to switch to,” said John LaPrad, manager of network services.

The upgrades to residential housing cost about $164,700, while the total price tag for upgrading to SafeConnect was about $90,000. The costs covered training, equipment and increased coverage.

If students have issues with their computers, Schidler says to call ITS or the Student Technology Center. Their hours and location are on SVSU’s Web site.

But cell phone problems remain.

Jason LaPrad, manager of Network Services, explained that the school has not “blocked” service in any buildings: the buildings’ materials (including concrete and reinforced steel) and the walls’ thickness interfere with reception.

In addition, the school does not have deals with any providers, though SVSU employees receive a 5 percent discount on Verizon plans.

Education sophomore Dayna Desjardins, an AT&T user, says her service has improved since last year in Curtiss.

Despite this, chemistry sophomore Alyssa Adams, who uses T-Mobile for her cell phone needs, said, “Service is bad in Saginaw in general.”

The school could spring for repeaters, devices that would amplify cellular providers’ signals. These machines tend to be high-priced.

Not everyone seems to mind the reception.

Jason Shaw, mechanical engineering sophomore, said that, overall, service is good.

“Outdoors and the dorms (the University Village), it’s perfect, but only mediocre in the academic buildings.”