DIT to increase network speed, expand wireless coverage
DIT officials are encouraging more students to connect to the Internet through “umd-secure” — an encrypted network that, unlike the “umd” network, does not require multiple log-ins to gain access.
With approximately 4,100 access points, this school boasts one of the largest networks of any national public research university. As of Aug. 29, 70.7 percent of the 20,814 wireless users on the campus log onto the Internet through “umd,” while 26.8 percent use “umd-secure.” Division of Information Technology officials said they are pushing the latter network among students not because of security breaches, but to ensure students get the best Internet experience possible.
“The network requires some device set up ahead of time, but the time spent on configuration is worthwhile,” DIT communications and marketing director Phyllis Johnson said.
This semester, DIT also took down the “umd-fast” network, which was established around 2007 as an option that connected up to five times faster than “umd” but was deemed no longer necessary, Johnson said.
“Many of today’s mobile devices and laptops automatically connect to [‘umd-fast’s] faster … frequencies without user intervention,” she said.
Although DIT has promoted “umd-secure” for several years through posters in shuttle buses, residence halls, Stamp Student Union and other technology hot spots, several students said they automatically assumed “umd” was the default option for connecting to the Internet.
“You have to do the research,” senior sociology major Jennifer Zavala said. “Before I did, I would log on so many times in a day on my phone and laptop because it would log out after a few minutes.”
Other students reported more minute problems surfaced once they’ve made the click from “umd” to “umd-secure.”
“Since you need to log in through a browser with wireless connection, if you have a device without a browser, such as a wireless-capable printer or a gaming console, it is more difficult to use those devices quickly and efficiently,” senior biology and philosophy major Syrus Nourbakhsh said.
Making the switch from cell phone data to a secure connection on the campus can also be challenging, other students said.
To educate students on the various Internet options available, DIT staff distribute “Get Connected” CDs at the beginning of the school year and have them available at the division’s Help Desk.
DIT also offers one-on-one connection opportunities and uses its presence at fairs to connect with the commuter community.
Students and DIT officials alike said it is ultimately up to the students to find the best option for surfing the Web while on the campus.
“It’s a simple matter of following instructions on the [DIT] website,” senior Vineet Shah said. “You’ll never have to enter your password to get on the Internet again.”
