To address dissatisfaction with on-campus wireless networks, Information Technology Services implemented new wireless access points in the Student Union.
In addition to the new access points, the main router of the Student Union was replaced to accommodate greater user traffic, said Hector Rios, assistant director of networking for ITS.
“Our goal is to make this simple for people to access, and I hope we’re accomplishing that,” Rios said.
Ashley Bares, child and family studies senior, said she hasn’t been disconnected from the network while using it in the Student Union since last semester.
Since the Student Union has been improved, some turn their attention to other buildings on campus.
Shelby Dunbar, psychology junior, said she doesn’t have strong feelings one way or the other, but connection in the Middleton Library is a problem.
The Middleton Library is the only place on campus where she experiences connection problems, Dunbar said.
Brooke Roussel, psychology junior, said it is difficult to connect to the network in Lockett Hall.
While Lockett Hall and Middleton Library aren’t currently part of ITS’ additions plan, the department is working on Coates Hall and the Bo Campbell Auditorium in Cox Communications Academic Center for Student Athletes.
“We finished our survey of Coates in December,” Rios said.
However, students shouldn’t expect to see those improvements very soon, Rios said.
“LSU does have an older campus, and we have to expect that things will take a little more time in our older facilities,” said Thomas Rogers, Graduate Council president.
Rios said ITS is forced to schedule it’s work around class time, putting completion date sometime around the end of the semester.
“Most users will usually compare our wireless to the one in their house,” Rios said.
Unlike off the shelf household wireless devices, the necessary equipment for ITS to support Wi-Fi on campus for a large group of users must be purchased at the enterprise level, Rios said.
Decisions about what campus areas will receive wireless additions will be made when the ITS Funding Proposal is approved by the Student Technology Fee Committee.
Next Thursday, Feb. 20., the STF Committee will meet to further discuss the proposal and more wireless updates.
“Most users will usually compare our wireless to the one in their house.”