OZone locations at UD continue to grow

Look for this logo on posters and stickers across the campus for areas that are wireless.

3:53 p.m., Oct. 18, 2005--This fall, more than 80 percent of incoming students who participated in UD’s Back-to-School purchase program opted to buy a laptop computer.

Recognizing the ever-increasing number of new student arrivals choosing portable computers, UD’s Information Technologies-Network and System Services continues to expand the number of wireless locations on campus.

“The most recent surveys indicate that laptop ownership among students is definitely increasing,” Leila Lyons, director of Information Technologies-User Services, said.

Known as “OZones,” the wireless-capable locations afford users a network that has “zero wires, zero waiting and zero worries.”

Wireless access is currently available at 340-plus locations in 102 buildings on UD campuses statewide [www.udel.edu/it-us/wireless/].

During the summer, several Problem-Based Learning classrooms, as well as the entire third floor of McKinly Laboratory, were made wireless accessible. Other summer wireless projects included Memorial Hall, which became the first academic building with complete wireless capability on UD’s Newark campus. Arsht Hall, on UD’s Wilmington campus, also has complete wireless capability.

Pilot projects for Problem Based Learning classes serving the departments of Psychology, English and Political Science and International Relations, resulted in wireless accessibility in selected areas of Wolf, McKinley, Memorial and Purnell halls.

“We have wireless capability pretty much anywhere users would expect it to be,” Dan Grim, executive director, IT-Network and Systems Services, said. “These are mainly in the commons spaces in academic areas and residence halls, where students tend to gather.”

Outdoor wireless locations include the patio areas of the Perkins Student Center, the Trabant University Center and the Morris Library.

To connect at the various UD wireless network sites, users need a wireless network card (or built-in wireless capability), and an active UDelNet ID.

Laptop users with questions about wireless capability can bring their computers to the Technology Solutions Center in 002A Smith Hall or call the help desk at (302) 831-6000. Wireless cards are available at the UD Bookstore and at popular electronics stores.

For more information, including helpful maps indicating wireless locations, as well as information on system requirements, set-up and UD wireless computing policies, visit [ww.udel.edu/wireless].

Article by Jerry Rhodes

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