Public Buildings, Dorms Go Wireless
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Retrofitting Bryn Mawr's historic buildings with the latest in wireless networking technology while preserving the architectural integrity of the campus is a challenge, but Information Services is making inroads, says Chief Technologist and Senior Network Engineer David Bertagni.

Two years ago, most of the Park Science complex, Guild Computing Center and the Campus Center, as well as significant portions of Canady and Carpenter Libraries, became wi-fi "hot spots" where members of the community can use laptops and handheld computers to gain free access to the Internet without having to plug in. Now wireless is making its way into the dorms, Bertagni says.

"In response to requests from the students, I'm now piloting wireless in the public spaces of our dorms," Bertagni says. "I met with the Self Government Association's Residence Council about a month ago to solicit appropriate locations for deployment of access points."

The council gave Bertagni the following list:

• Rhoads Lower Lounge
• Rockefeller Living Room
• Pembroke West Living Room
• Pembroke East Living Room
• Erdman Back Smoker
• Haffner Dining Hall
• Merion Back Smoker
• Denbigh Back Smoker
• Brecon Game Room
• Glenmede Living Room

So far, IS has installed wireless networking into the requested spaces in Rhoads, Rockefeller, both Pembrokes, Erdman, Haffner, Merion, Denbigh and Glenmede. The Language Learning Center in Denbigh has also gone wireless, which will provide extra coverage for Denbigh's TV Room; Thomas 110 has also been outfitted with wi-fi.

"The only dorms still lacking some wireless are Radnor and Brecon, where there were no data ports in the requested locations," Bertagni says. "I'm working with a contractor to get them data and power installed, but I don't know if we will be able to do so before the semester ends."

IS's goal is to extend wireless campuswide, Bertagni says, but the process is taking some time because it is important to be sensitive to the College's historic buildings and grounds.

"The thick stone walls of most of our buildings are rather good at absorbing the radio signals used in wireless networking," he explains. "So, for instance, although the inside of the Campus Center has 100-percent coverage, the connectivity doesn't extend to the little terrace just outside the building. On the other hand, Park, which is made of more modern construction materials, has a bubble of coverage that extends a good distance from the building on all sides."

Because Bryn Mawr's buildings' walls tend to block signals, Bertagni says, outdoor coverage will require installing a large number of access points outside. The devices will have to be concealed to preserve the unique visual character of Bryn Mawr's campus.

"These things are not very attractive," Bertagni says. "Some institutions just hang them off buildings, but the visual appeal of the Bryn Mawr campus is too important a consideration for us to do that."

Bertagni says that IS will also be revising its policy regarding students' use of their own wireless devices. Because extending a data network can cause serious problems if it is done haphazardly, current policy forbids it, but IS plans eventually to allow personal devices for students who cautiously follow IS guidelines and equipment recommendations.

Bertagni also offers the aid of the Help Desk for community members who aren't sure how to take advantage of wireless networking with their own laptops.

"Just stop by," he says. "We will be creating self-service directions this summer, but it's usually pretty straightforward if you know what to look for," he says. "It's easier to show than tell."

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