Wayne State to get Wi-Fi makeover

Wayne State is advancing to the forefront of wireless technology with a new $1.3 million technology initiative that will make the 802.11n standard for wireless networks in classrooms and libraries. The operation more than doubles WSU's existing wireless network, 802.11b/g, and upgrades systems to the newest 802.11n products from Sunnyvale, California-based Meru Networks Inc.

The technology initiative, launched on March 10, 2008, will provide Wayne State with the latest in Wi-Fi technology.

"Wayne state students expect convenient and reliable wireless internet on campus," Tom Duszynski, director of the quality, communications and compliance team for computing and technology at WSU, said. "We get a lot of satisfaction from seeing the increased Wi-Fi usage in our areas, such as the Undergraduate Library, State Hall and the Student Center. These areas now have greater Wi-Fi capacity and are able to have connections at higher rates of speed."

According to a WSU press release, the new 802.11n standard for wireless networks travels 230 feet - more than twice that of the current 802.11g - and brings faster data travel rates, about 250 megabits per second/Mbps compared to the existing 54 Mbps.

The main campus wireless network will be expanded from 28 to 50 classrooms and research buildings and from 450 to 1,000 wireless access points.

The upgraded next-generation, high-performance wireless networking is expected to benefit faculty and staff by providing convenient access to online self-service, blackboard courses and e-books. It will also enable students with laptops to get high-bandwidth applications in more campus locations, which will lead to improved video playback.

Furthermore, the new Wi-Fi network will allow better response time to users in a heavily congested wireless environment. Classrooms will be impacted as faculty will use high-bandwidth applications and innovative digital content in teaching and learning.

The initiative addresses President Dr. Irvin D. Reid's goal of "Innovative Technology," one of the outgoing president's four strategic vision initiatives for Wayne State's prosperity and growth. The technology initiative satisfies student demand shown in an information technology survey, which confirmed that students wanted reliable wireless access in more locations on campus.

With the high-performance technology, Wayne State will have the fastest and most reliable wireless network, an attraction that appeals to students, faculty, staff, researchers and visitors alike.

The new 802.11n standard for wireless networks is expected to be ratified by the Institute of Electronical and Electric Engineers in March of 2009.

"The initiative opens the door to possibly having 'a world without wires,'" Duszynski said.