NEW YORK – Fordham computer users are now able to surf the Web from various locales on the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses without the worry of plugging into an Ethernet port or dialing-up on a telephone line. Fordham’s new wireless network, which launched in early February, allows laptop and personal digital assistant users to connect to the Web using wireless/radio frequency technology rather than by the traditional Ethernet card. The wireless network supports 802.11b High Rate, also known as Wi-Fi technology.
Most laptops manufactured within the past six months to a year come with compatible wireless networking cards pre-installed. For those that don’t, cards are available for purchase at most computer retailers and at Fordham’s CompURam stores at Rose Hill and Lincoln Center. Access points have been installed in most buildings on the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses, letting users log onto the network from a variety of areas, including study lounges, cafeterias and libraries. A laptop’s wireless card uses radio frequencies to communicate with the access point then linking the user to the campus network and the Internet.
The wireless network transfers data at about four to five megabytes per second, which is faster than a 56k modem but slower than a standard Ethernet connection. According to Jason Benedict, director of computer services and operations, the wireless network is expected to be fully completed by fall 2003. Although there is no service charge to connect to the wireless network, users do need to register for access. To register or get more information and to learn more about specific coverage areas and wireless policies, visit http://www.fordham.edu/wireless.
