New wireless network allows faster browsing

LIS has developed a new wireless network called “Midd-standard” that provides higher performance than the often-problematic midd_secure network while maintaining the same level of security.

Along with this initiative, Mike Roy, Dean of Library and Information Services (LIS), also announced that LIS is currently in the “evaluation stage” of moving to Google Apps for Higher Education, which would convert College e-mail to Gmail as early as January or February of 2011.

Roy stressed that although LIS is currently “taking a hard look at the cost benefits” of switching to Gmail, a final decision will not be made until June or July. This initiative was originally proposed on the LIS blog in January, and most comments from students seem to support the consideration. Roy encourages students to continue expressing their opinions by posting on the LIS blog or by attending an open meeting, which will occur in early May.

The development of the Midd-standard network came as a response to complaints during the fall semester from students who experienced difficulties connecting to the midd_secure network. Although students with Apple computers found the network particularly inaccessible, Roy explained that the difficulties extended to some students with Windows computers as well.

Midd-standard requires a password that all students can access by phoning or visiting the Help Desk and simply asking for the password. Roy plans to further publicize the password access by placing posters in the dining halls before the final exam period begins. He hopes the easier access to wireless will help students during this busy time of year.

“The more we can do to reduce [student’s] stress, the better,” added Roy.

Tik Root d’12, a member of the Student LIS Advisory Committee, has found Midd-standard “very fast and very reliable. I have a Mac and don’t run into any of the problems that I do with midd_secure.”

Roy clarified the distinctions between the three separate wireless networks on campus. Roy described midd_unplugged as “a less secure network that was purposefully designed to not give full access to all of the network resources.”

Midd_secure was designed to require a password in order to guarantee that only students, faculty and staff gain access to all College network resources.

Therefore, Midd-standard was created as a solution for students who can’t access midd_secure and still need to access these resources.

Root explained how Midd-standard also helps to solve the problem of maintaining wireless security.

“The best thing about midd-standard is that is that all my data is secure (like CC #’s, e-mails, etc.), and can’t be stolen as easily,” said Root in an email.

Roy explained that for security reasons, the password to Midd-standard will change periodically. Although LIS has not yet finalized a timeline for this change, Roy estimates that this “minor annoyance” would occur only once a semester.

Midd-standard, however, is merely a “short-term solution,” according to Roy. Roy emphasized that the network was designed as an “intermediate step” after LIS realized that improvements to midd_secure would take “long than we really wanted.” In the long run, LIS hopes to make the necessary improvements to midd_secure and then de-comission Midd-standard.

Roy emphasizes that this transition will not occur until LIS feels confident that Midd_secure is easily accessible by students with both PC’s and Mac’s.

In addition to these initiatives, LIS is also “in conversation,” according to Roy, about bringing back the system of allowing students to check out Ethernet cables at the front desk of the library.

Roy stressed the “logistical hurdles” of this proposal, as staff would need to develop a way to ensure that the cables were not removed from the library. LIS is also cautious to introduce new services in light of this year’s budget cuts and staff reductions.