April 2002 — Applications
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Wireless Networking Enhances Educational Opportunities at Alexandria Technical College
Maintaining a wired network for approximately 1,800 
computers is a challenge in itself. Compounding the difficulty of the
situation, Alexandria Technical College (ATC) in Alexandria, Minn. -
a small town located about halfway between Minneapolis, Minn., and
Fargo, N.D. - is composed of several buildings on 90 acres, and its
students are demanding users of computer networks. This made the
implementation of a wireless network in the geographic information
systems (GIS) computer lab at ATC very challenging. One of the
nation's top 10 vocational schools, ATC is a recognized leader in
improving learning through technology. Supporting that goal, the
college ensures access with a ratio of one computer for every 1.5
students. It also provides a student-to-faculty ratio of 20-to-1.
This combination has resulted in 97.9 percent of ATC students finding
program-related jobs in 1999.
ATC serves approximately 2,100 full- and part-time students in 47 majors and several specialized training programs. Many of the school's degree and custom programs integrate highly intensive computer applications. In the GIS program, students use detailed mapping, surveying and graphics software that generate huge computer files, which students store and transfer on ATC's network. In addition, ATC offers instruction in fields such as computer and HTML programming, computer technical support, mechanical engineering and design, and communication arts, creating heavy demand on its network resources.
As network administrators at campuses across the country have learned in recent years, the typical volume of traffic is enough to cripple any network that isn't performing at its optimum level. Common consumers of network bandwidth include users connecting to the Internet, accessing network resources such as printers and servers, exchanging files, swapping e-mail and instant messages, updating calendars, and downloading music and video files. The wiring necessary to support the extensive demands on a computer network is costly and difficult to maintain. Resolving a problem on a wired network entails troubleshooting multiple potential trouble spots, including cables, connectors, wall jacks, input and output ports, and hardware and software configurations. Adding additional connectivity requires IT staff to connect and pull cable through walls and conduits, often among multiple buildings on the campus. A wired network limits users to physical spaces where they are able to plug into the network - an increasing challenge when everyone uses computers to learn and interact with other students and the faculty. In other words, wired networks increasingly interfere with the ability of IT administrators to keep networks performing at their optimum level.
An End-to-End Application
Fully networked electronic classrooms enhance students' educational opportunities at ATC. Faculty members develop multimedia skills that improve instruction and help students acquire skills that will serve them in a future of lifelong learning. ATC accepted Micron- PC's wireless network proposal, selecting its data-intensive GIS computer lab as the test site. The company currently has an installed base of 700 laptops and 1,100 workstations. In addition to the technical support, which comes standard with all MicronPC systems, ATC uses the company's extended support, including Advanced Portable Exchange and SystemSatisfaction, which provides for the repair or replacement of damaged notebook computers.
