Wireless Campus Network
MSU has an ongoing project to overlay and supplement the existing wired campus data network with a wireless network. Public areas of campus, such as Perry Cafeteria, Colvard Union, the Drill Field, and Mitchell Memorial Library, were the initial focus of the project, but the wireless network has grown extensively since then and is being further expanded as rapidly as funding allows. A map showing all areas of wireless coverage on campus is available via the link above, and it illustrates that most of campus now has coverage.
The MSU wireless network is based on IEEE 802.11b/g (i.e. WiFi) technology, which specifies at most a fifty-four (54) Mpbs shared transmission scheme.
Because of inherent limitations in wireless technology, the wireless network does not compete with the wired network in terms of performance and reliability but rather complements it with added flexibility and mobility. A typical wired network connection is at least four times faster than a wireless network connection, and obstacles such as walls and trees can negatively impact wireless performance. A wireless connection is typically adequate for applications such as email and text-based Web surfing; however, accessing multimedia-rich resources such as audio and video files over a wireless network can be less than desirable.
In order to use the MSU wireless network, you will need a properly configured wireless 802.11b/g network adapter for your notebook or hand-held device. Wireless adapters are readily available for around $50, and most notebook and laptop computers now come standard with built-in support for 802.11b/g. Specific information for configuring your computer or device can be found at the link above, entitled “Configuration Details”.
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