2008 Woodie Awards
Residents report weak Web access after upgrades
Wes Helmholz
Issue date: 10/9/07 Section: News
Residents of Cougar Village have been given enhanced Internet access, but some can not seem to reap the full benefits.
As of Sept. 20, the Cougar Village community has had full access to newly installed fiber-optic data cables. The cables reach from the central campus to each building in Cougar Village. Construction took place over the summer and continued up until the additional network was activated.
Additionally, the university installed wireless Internet access in Cougar Village and Evergreen Hall. Wireless was up and running Sept. 20, as well.
"Essentially, the typical Internet speed (for Cougar residents) matches the standard speeds in the other residence halls now," said Dan Chase, director of telecommunications for the university.
While residents are happy about the improvement in connectivity, some are still displeased over intermittent slow periods, and the wireless has not been an unqualified success.
"Lately, the connection has been a lot better," Justin Harms, a second year Cougar Village resident, said. "Last year, the (Ethernet) connection was awful. We couldn't even connect to basic Web pages most of the time. I use the Internet to play Xbox Live, which requires a fast connection, and (this year) it's been great.
"(But) the wireless connection has been too slow to use."
Erin Schwartzkopf has also noticed the improvement in connectivity, but the connection is still not fast enough for her liking.
"I use Ethernet to connect to the Internet, and I sometimes have trouble even accessing Web pages, like Facebook," she said.
Chase attempted to explain Telecommunication's view toward the wireless Internet access situation.
"Our expectations (for wireless service) were, this is our initial try. It's a nice addition and a new option; it's a convenient supplement to the main access option (which is through Ethernet)."
"We don't have any solid plans to address connection speed issues. However, our goal for the future is to roll out wireless and support throughout campus. We want to provide coverage to as many people and places as we can. We don't have any specific dates at this time."
Chase indicated that students who have experienced problems with Internet access should contact the Student Technology Center with their concerns. The Office of Telecommunications does not deal directly with student complaints, instead relying on reports from the STC.
Chase said he had only heard anecdotal reports of poor Internet access via Ethernet in Cougar, and that Telecommunications would not need to address the issues until more evidence arises.
As of Sept. 20, the Cougar Village community has had full access to newly installed fiber-optic data cables. The cables reach from the central campus to each building in Cougar Village. Construction took place over the summer and continued up until the additional network was activated.
Additionally, the university installed wireless Internet access in Cougar Village and Evergreen Hall. Wireless was up and running Sept. 20, as well.
"Essentially, the typical Internet speed (for Cougar residents) matches the standard speeds in the other residence halls now," said Dan Chase, director of telecommunications for the university.
While residents are happy about the improvement in connectivity, some are still displeased over intermittent slow periods, and the wireless has not been an unqualified success.
"Lately, the connection has been a lot better," Justin Harms, a second year Cougar Village resident, said. "Last year, the (Ethernet) connection was awful. We couldn't even connect to basic Web pages most of the time. I use the Internet to play Xbox Live, which requires a fast connection, and (this year) it's been great.
"(But) the wireless connection has been too slow to use."
Erin Schwartzkopf has also noticed the improvement in connectivity, but the connection is still not fast enough for her liking.
"I use Ethernet to connect to the Internet, and I sometimes have trouble even accessing Web pages, like Facebook," she said.
Chase attempted to explain Telecommunication's view toward the wireless Internet access situation.
"Our expectations (for wireless service) were, this is our initial try. It's a nice addition and a new option; it's a convenient supplement to the main access option (which is through Ethernet)."
"We don't have any solid plans to address connection speed issues. However, our goal for the future is to roll out wireless and support throughout campus. We want to provide coverage to as many people and places as we can. We don't have any specific dates at this time."
Chase indicated that students who have experienced problems with Internet access should contact the Student Technology Center with their concerns. The Office of Telecommunications does not deal directly with student complaints, instead relying on reports from the STC.
Chase said he had only heard anecdotal reports of poor Internet access via Ethernet in Cougar, and that Telecommunications would not need to address the issues until more evidence arises.
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