Whether it be to check Facebook, e-mail, or finish typing up a paper or conducting research, Ball State University`s Computing Services are working on allowing students to have wireless access on campus buses.
Vernon Draper, assistant director of Networking and Communications for Computing Services, said this research project could benefit students.
"There are some pretty neat possibilities for an outcome," he said. "Better signal on outdoor campus buses is a likely result."
Draper said their first order of business was to install Firetide equipment, which is a developer of mesh networks.
"Using a mesh network maintains multiple connections so if one connection is dropped, there will be other valid options," he said. "We thought if we use a mesh right it can provide mobility so students can sit on the bus and use their laptop."
Sue Weller, director of Facilities Business Services and Transportation, said she thought this would be convenient for students.
"There could be times when a student is riding back to his or her residence hall and could be finishing up research and doing homework," she said.
Draper said they have moved on to step two of the research project by moving around antennae on the buses and trying different types.
"If we use proper antennas we can shape the RF signal to make it focus on the target area," he said.
O`Neal Smitherman, vice president for Information Technology, said Ball State is always looking for ways to improve campus.
"We continually do research on technology that will enhance the campus technology experience," he said.
Smitherman said they received good responses from students about the wireless bus and plan to continue to think of ways to improve.
"We have gained valuable feedback from students during these and other tests and we are constantly looking for ways to help enhance the university use of technology," he said. "To that end, we will soon be conducting a survey of all students on the technologies that they use and how they will use technology in the future."
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