Wiring-in to wireless

By Editorial

We were pleased to report last week that Santa Clara will be expanding its wireless Internet access throughout campus this year, adding locations such as Mission Gardens and Bellomy Field. As "the Jesuit university in Silicon Valley," we think it is about time that this technology was further expanded at Santa Clara.

It was also stated that new locations are being considered for wireless connectivity were field areas such as Mission Gardens and Bellomy Field. These are both popular relaxation and sporting locations, especially during spring quarter, but what is the advantage of creating wireless Internet access in these campus areas?

The areas that could most benefit from wireless connectivity are public spaces where people are working on computers on a regular basis. Areas such as classroom buildings, administration offices and student gathering areas, such as the new Commons at Kennedy Mall or Casa and Sobrato first-floor classrooms, are ideal. These locations seem like a much better investment in wireless technology.

In addition, the existing wireless networks in Orradre Library and Benson Center are somewhat difficult to connect to. Information Technology's Web site refers to items such as the SSID and WEP key for access, as well as a hexidecimal code for encryption consisting of 27 letters and numbers. Assuming the average Santa Clara student is not a programming or networking genius, these connectivity directions are just plain confusing.

We would like to suggest making access easier, while keeping web security in mind, as well as propose an official university survey of students, staff and faculty, asking for their ideas and preferences for wireless access locations and availability.

These steps would both improve existing resources and ensure that future wireless set-ups will be as useful as possible. The university's money would be best put to use on a system that is reliable and convenient for the maximum number of campus wireless Internet users.