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Campus wireless network expands

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Fresno State's wireless network, which to date includes a "Red Zone" of 10 access points in the center of the campus and nine "smart" classrooms, will grow to 62 classrooms and labs during the 2002-03 year. By 2006-07, a total of 358 classrooms will be equipped to utilize the Bulldog Wireless Network.

Just as its name indicates, the wireless network gives users the ability to take a laptop computer anywhere in the wireless zone and connect to the Internet.

While in the wireless zone, students, faculty and staff can use laptops computers equipped with a wireless networking card to connect to the Fresno State network without the need of being plugged into a network wall jack. That means users can check e-mail during lunch in the Coffeehouse/Pub, research a Web site while relaxing in the University Student Union lounge or chat with friends while enjoying the sunshine near the Memorial Fountain.

CVIP Director Greg Gaither, who heads Campus Network Services, which is handling the rollout, said expanding Fresno State's wireless network is a high priority on the campus.

Gaither said any laptop computer that is outfitted with a wireless "card" can be used to connect to the campus network. Wireless cards can be purchased at any computer retailer. CNS recommends the Cisco wireless card, which sells for $119.95 at the CVIP store in the University Student Union Pavilion.

The Henry Madden Library also has a wireless network to which you can connect.

Phase 1 of the Smart Classroom project, which was completed last summer, provided wireless technology in various classrooms in the Agriculture Building, Music, Peters Business, Education, Engineering East, Lab School and Family/Food Science. An implementation plan for the 2002-03 expansion is in process.

For more information about the Bulldog Wireless Network, see www.csufresno.edu/its/wireless.

Back to University Journal, 11/05/02 Issue