This introduction and subsequent plans for budget years have been included originally submitted for your reference. Please see the links provided above for progress through each budget year and for current wireless network information.

Introduction

Information Technology Services began supporting wireless network access shortly after the Network Infrastructure Project was completed in 2001. Since wireless network access was a new technology for ITS, much of the work completed in the first year dealt with learning the technology and establishing standards. ITS continues to gain valuable experience in the wireless area and continues to evolve its standards while expanding the University’s wireless network coverage.

During the 2002/2003 fiscal year, several substantial gains were made by ITS in the wireless access arena. To date, Hayes Hall, Bowen-Thompson Student Union, Jerome Library, College Park, and the Cedar Point building at Firelands are considered to have full wireless coverage. Technology, Saddlemire Student Services, Education, and Olscamp Hall each have partial coverage. There are also several buildings that have small pockets of wireless coverage. These efforts have been initiated by special needs or special requests. ITS is now at a point where a plan for building a comprehensive wireless network is needed.

The Wireless Network Strategic Plan will include a time table for the expansion of the wireless network coverage, recommended standards, and ideas for marketing the increased use of the wireless network. The final goal of the plan is to have broad wireless network coverage across campus and on the Firelands campus. The plan will give priority to areas of campus where the service is likely to have the highest demand. Cost/benefit analysis will be utilized to ensure fiscal responsibility in the plan.