"More is better" is one of those classic cliches Americans love. After all, it's synonymous with growth and growth is good, so it's stands to reason that so is "more".
That's the way Wayne State University sees it, as it implements a state-of-the-art wireless Internet, Wi-Fi, system for its central campus.
The $1.3 million 802.11n system from California-based Meru Networks promises more bandwidth for more speed and more simultaneous Wi-Fi users. The new system essentially doubles the wireless Internet connection on Wayne State's main campus in Midtown, Detroit.
It is expected to be in place and fully functional within one year.
"Our students, the workforce of the future, expect convenient and reliable wireless Internet on campus, as it is a common means of accessing information," Joseph F. Sawasky, associate vice president for Computing & Information Technology at Wayne State. "The benefits of wireless are far-reaching and central to enhancing WSU's learning environment and nurturing strong and dynamic university and business communities in Detroit."
Wayne State is the 50th customer of this new technology. Other major institutions using Meru Network's include the University of Miami, Morrisville State College, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and the Denver International Airport.
The 802.11n network provides faster data transfer rates (about 250 megabits per second compared to 54 for the existing standard), travels twice as far as current standards (about 230 feet) and is more reliable. The new system is also expected to allow numerous users log on in a dense urban setting like Wayne State's, taking advantage of it simultaneously without sacrificing quality service.
"With the current wireless technology, network response time drops significantly when many people are trying to connect to the same Wi-Fi access point," Sawasky says. "We see this happen in large classrooms, the libraries and at the Student Center Building. Meru's technology dramatically improves the capacity at these high-demand Wi-Fi locations."
Source: Wayne State University
Writer: Jon Zemke
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