LBIS test-runs internet access program for three dorms
BlueSocket to increase bandwidth
Leah Finn
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: News
Library and Information Services (LBIS) launched a pilot program that allows students to access the internet from residence halls using the same authentication method as in the library and academic buildings. The pilot program was launched on Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Hanna Hall, Watson Hall and the Aclands Apartments as a test run before it is applied to the whole campus.
The goal of the new program is to standardize the network experience across campus, according to LBIS Interim Vice President Ron Griggs. Under the program, students can log into their computers at home via the BlueSocket Login page used on computers in the library or other academic buildings, rather than through the Clean Access Agent software which must be installed on students' personal computers.
"We had been getting student input that they don't like the burden of having to install the required Clean Access Agent," said Paul Mollard, associate director for public computing.
The program should enable better internet access for 64-bit Windows computers, which do not have full access to the Kenyon network under the current system, according to Griggs.
LBIS plans to send out a survey the first week in December to gauge students' reactions to the new access program. If the pilot program succeeds, according to Griggs, it will be expanded to all residence halls by the beginning of spring semester.
"We selected Hanna, Watson and Acland Apartments because they are the furthest away from other campus buildings that are sending out signals that use the current system," Mollard said. "It will mitigate cross-talk while both systems are still in use."
Residents of the buildings affected by the pilot program have noticed little change in their internet connection besides the different login page.
"I had no problems with it before," said Lauren Rose '11, a resident of Hanna Hall. "But if it makes a safer connection, I'm for it."
"I think it's quicker," said Arjav Ezekiel '10, another Hanna resident. "It seems to be quicker with YouTube, so far."
The goal of the new program is to standardize the network experience across campus, according to LBIS Interim Vice President Ron Griggs. Under the program, students can log into their computers at home via the BlueSocket Login page used on computers in the library or other academic buildings, rather than through the Clean Access Agent software which must be installed on students' personal computers.
"We had been getting student input that they don't like the burden of having to install the required Clean Access Agent," said Paul Mollard, associate director for public computing.
The program should enable better internet access for 64-bit Windows computers, which do not have full access to the Kenyon network under the current system, according to Griggs.
LBIS plans to send out a survey the first week in December to gauge students' reactions to the new access program. If the pilot program succeeds, according to Griggs, it will be expanded to all residence halls by the beginning of spring semester.
"We selected Hanna, Watson and Acland Apartments because they are the furthest away from other campus buildings that are sending out signals that use the current system," Mollard said. "It will mitigate cross-talk while both systems are still in use."
Residents of the buildings affected by the pilot program have noticed little change in their internet connection besides the different login page.
"I had no problems with it before," said Lauren Rose '11, a resident of Hanna Hall. "But if it makes a safer connection, I'm for it."
"I think it's quicker," said Arjav Ezekiel '10, another Hanna resident. "It seems to be quicker with YouTube, so far."
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Ron Griggs
posted 11/20/08 @ 5:38 PM EST
The subtitle of the article "BlueSocket to increase bandwidth" is not correct. This change should have no impact on the total bandwidth for residence halls. (Continued…)
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