assistant vice chancellor for Information Technology, 308.865.8950
The West Center building at the University of Nebraska at Kearney went wireless this week, making it the first UNK building to have wireless capability throughout, according to Deb Schroeder, UNK assistant vice chancellor for Information Technology Services.
“I’m delighted to have wireless coverage in our building,” said Dr. Bruce Forster, dean of the UNK College of Business & Technology, which is housed in West Center. “We appreciate the funding provided by the Student Technology Fee and the University of Nebraska Foundation that has made this possible.”
While West Center is the first UNK building to have wireless coverage possible throughout the facility, wireless “hotspots” have been available in buildings across the campus for some time. Wireless hotspots can be found in many residence halls and classroom buildings, as well as in the student union and the library.
“The wireless network in West Center is available to all UNK students, faculty and staff,” Schroeder said. Wireless devices, including laptops and PDAs, can access the UNK network after opening an Internet browser and authenticating using the UNK iNotes username and Web password.
“Individual classroom policies involving wireless-enabled laptops may be established by the faculty member teaching a course,” Schroeder said, adding that guest accounts for campus visitors are available.
“Guest accounts for campus visitors are available by contacting the UNK Helpdesk at 308.865.8363 or unkhelpdesk@unk.edu,” she said.
“The UNK Wireless Network is 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g compatible,” Schroeder noted, adding that many laptops have built-in wireless capabilities. “If you’re not sure about your mobile device, contact the ITS Helpdesk.” Wireless cards can be purchased. On campus, the cards are available at UNK Connections located in the Otto Olsen building.
“The UNK wireless network is designed to provide service throughout the West Center Building, but when wireless signals pass through building materials, ‘dead zones’ can occur adjacent to, or only a few feet from, areas of strong reception,” she said. “Moving around constantly may cause the signal strength to fluctuate, so reception is best if you stay in one location while you’re connected to the network.”
According to Duane Hess, network manager with UNK Information Technology Services, plans are to expand wireless coverage to other campus buildings as funding allows.
For those wanting to find “hotspots” on the campus, they can find a map showing the locations on the UNK Web site at:
http://www.unk.edu/offices/its/network/wireless/index.php?id=2111
