He says that the university first looked into wireless connections four years ago. This will make computer labs obsolete, because students can connect in any classroom, anywhere on campus. Drexel first provided wireless connections in its library in 1998, offering laptops with wireless adapters that students could check out and use within the building. That program was so popular that the university began offering wireless computing in other buildings as well. The wireless connections will be about 200 times faster than a typical modem, although not as fast as an Ethernet connection through a jack in the wall.
Wireless connections can also slow down when several people are sharing one access point.
Drexel's technicians also have plans to make the campus's wireless connections secure. The university will use 128-bit encrypted radio frequencies, the most secure encryption available, Mr. Bielec says. The university's students, who are required to purchase a computer before enrolling, will also have to buy wireless adapters for their laptops. Drexel's dormitories will not have wireless access, Mr. Bielec says, because they already have several places to plug in. Wake Forest University's assistant vice president for information systems.