The University has a wireless service available to all students. Students use their Internet IDs and passwords to access this special network. However, the University network offers only a certain extent of service; there is no all-campus University wireless. In fact, in several buildings such as Carlson School of Management and the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building, the wireless service is not controlled by the University; it is taken over by the colleges housed in those facilities.

The University wireless does not seep past the basement level of the Carlson School. Its wireless is available in the rest of the building to Carlson School students only; this is understandable because Carlson School students pay an extra fee to have their own service.

Restricted Internet is one of the issues with the University wireless system. The other is the slow and choppy connection those in the Coffman Union sometimes have to bear. Perhaps some have noticed that Internet is slow in certain areas of campus such as Coffman Union and Moos Tower. This is because of the concentration of users, putting stress on and slowing the entire system.

This stress can be relieved easily, but an extensive network upgrade is necessary. The University is using outdated wireless b when wireless g is available. According to networking standards, g is five times faster than b, and it’s also backward compatible, meaning it’s friendly with older devices.

It’s frustrating to leave home and chase after wireless on campus. While the University generally does a good job with wireless, it is clearly behind when it comes to technology. Students come to campus expecting to find Internet access. Coffee shops expect purchase, so it’s more appealing to go somewhere that has “free” wireless. The notion of “free wireless” should be taken lightly considering students pay for this service through fees, perhaps even through the technology fee that every student pays. Given the amount of money students are paying for tuition, the University should make some investments in improving a service that undoubtedly affects the academic success of its students.