Come September, Olin, Uris, Mann and Kroch libraries will be live on RedRover, the new wireless Internet service from Cornell Information Technologies (CIT). This wireless access comes first to the 17 main campus libraries, followed by portions of the campus residence halls. RedRover is funded by the university, managed by CIT and will be installed by CIT and Planning, Design and Construction (PDC).
Why wireless?
"Cornell is at the forefront of technology," said Don Schweikert, CIT's acting associate director of network engineering and infrastructure. "We offer our students reliable and advanced technology as soon as it's feasibly possible, and wireless access is now mature enough to be reliable."
Wireless makes it possible to log on from a study area in the library when it's not possible to study in a dorm room or a computer lab and an Internet connection is needed. "This system is not designed to replace wires," noted Liz Davis, CIT's RedRover manager.
Wireless connections are slower than the Ethernet connections that serve most campus buildings (the connection speed is comparable to the speed of a 56K modem), and interference from other devices may occur. Additionally, the service will be available only in selected areas.
To start, 120 access points will be installed on campus. Laptops, when equipped with the appropriate card, will connect with the campus network by "talking" to the access point. CIT recommends the Enterasys (formerly Cabletron) RoamAbout network interface card. It is available at the Cornell Store for $159.95. CIT will not be turning on the service and providing full support until late August.
Following the wireless installation in the libraries, CIT and PDC will begin adding wireless to study rooms and selected common areas in residence halls. Those slated for wireless access include Balch, Cascadilla, Clara Dickson, Low Rise 8, Low Rise 10/Ujamaa, Class of '28 Hall and Class of '22 Hall. Students will continue to use ResNet (Residence Hall Network Service) for network access in their rooms.
To learn more about RedRover, visit http://www.cit.cornell.edu/redrover/. CIT will be updating this site during July and August as the new wireless network is installed and customer information is developed.
Cornell colleges or departments interested in becoming part of RedRover during the 2002-03 academic year should contact Liz Davis at ekd6@cornell.edu.
| Cornell Chronicle Front Page | | Table of Contents | | Cornell News Service Home Page |