Ball State has accomplished its goal of making campus a full wireless network, according to a university communications press release.
The wireless network can handle 10,000 users at one time from 30 buildings across campus.
Six Bluesocket Wireless Gateways secure the university's network. Ball State used Avnet Enterprise Solutions and Bluesocket to install the network.
This new network allows users to access the network through one of the gateways through computers, cell phones or personal digital assistants without being plugged into the wall.
The network is intended to be used inside academic and administration buildings on campus.
Users need a Ball State user name and password to access the network, which is available from computing services.
Computers need to be equipped with a wireless network card as well. These cards must be 802.11b compatible.
According to the Bluesocket Web site the 802.11b is a wireless local-area-network (LAN) technology that allows users to not be plugged in. Instead the interface card in the computer carries messages to others through the help of an access point.
Cards recommended by the university are Apple computer's built-in Airport card or a Cisco-brand wireless card, which provide the best support for roaming between access points without losing signal.
University Computing Services can provide the Cisco card, according to its Web site.
Discounts for these cards will be made for students and faculty and can be obtained through Connie Callahan at 285-5967.
Security through the network has also been successful.
According to a press release the term "war diving" refers to tapping into a wireless system.
The use of encryption software can secure data as it passes through the air and protect users from "war diving."
According to the University Computing Services' Web site, in order to use encryption a computer must be run by Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Mac OS 10.2 or better.
According to a press release on May 30 "Bluesocket Wireless Gateways really help to future-proof our customers' wireless network infrastructures."
Jay O'Callaghan, vice president of Avnet Enterprise Solutions, Network Solutions said, "This is particularly important now as we work with our customers to help them find the right balance between enough access and enough security."
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