The rapid development of wireless networking technology has created exciting and affordable network-access opportunities in classrooms and public gathering places. Although wireless technology offers portability and freedom, it is not yet equivalent to the speed and reliability offered from a traditional wired connection. As champions of new technology and in the spirit of its leadership role at the University, OIT offers the following wireless considerations and standards for departments who are in the process of implementing this new technology.
Wireless technology is 'shared network' technology.
The University's 'wired' network is a 'switched' technology, which offers greater speed and privacy to the computers that are directly connected to it. While liberating, wireless technology is one generation behind current networking technology and the University's current wired network. These radio signals are not immune to interference from other electrical devices and may not penetrate some substances well enough to deliver a usable signal. Because of these conditions, available bandwidth and reception distances will vary. This model, simply stated, is based on the cumulative costs that are needed to operate the network.