The Internet is off the hook – at least at CSU.
CSU has been offering wireless Internet for about four years,
according to Scott Baily, associate director of Academic Computing
& Networking Services.
“Wireless network access is very similar to a wired connection
in that both give connectivity to campus resources and the
Internet,” Baily wrote in an e-mail interview. “Wireless is more
convenient, since you only have to be near a wireless access point
to get connected.”
The access works through the CSU’s Virtual Private Network,
which ensures both the security of data sent and that only CSU
faculty, staff and students have access to it.
“(VPN) first requires authentication, assuring that only CSU
affiliates are using the wireless network,” Baily wrote. “It also
encrypts all transmissions between the client computer (typically a
laptop) and the VPN concentrator. Even if the data were
intercepted, it could not be read by anyone else.”
VPN is provided by ACNS and is free to all faculty, staff and
students.
Baily estimates that only about 20 percent of the people on
campus are taking advantage of the wireless Internet access.
Students with a valid eID can access VPN with a laptop equipped
with a wireless interface card and VPN software installed.
VPN access is available in many buildings on campus, including
the Lory Student Center, Morgan Library, most residence halls and
most lecture halls, including those in the Clark Building, Eddy
Hall, Chemistry Building and the Wagar Building.
“(I use VPN) every day,” said Suzanne Maestri-Walters, a senior
graphic design major. “If I eat lunch, I use it in the student
center cafeteria and in the library for studying.”
Some students use VPN in class.
“During geology class (when a scientific equation was given) I
went online to look up the periodic chart so that I could find out
what the symbols meant. I think it is great that the university has
given every student the chance to go wireless,” Maestri-Walters
said.
Senior history major Sadie Maybach agreed that wireless Internet
is convenient.
“In the library, it’s a lot easier (to work on a laptop) when
you can spread out with all your books instead of going to a
(regular) computer,” Maybach said.
For a map of campus showing where
wireless Internet access is available, go to
www.colostate.edu/acns/wireless and click on “map of CSU’s central
wireless network.”
VPN Web site is :
www.colostate.edu/acns/vpn
Wireless resource Web site is:
www.colostate.edu/acns/wireless
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