Duke University Outfits First-Year Residence Hall with Cisco High-Speed Wireless Network
January 23, 2006
by Jenny Carless, News@Cisco
The class of 2009 at Duke University is going wireless.
Recognizing the importance of wireless networking in helping students to excel, the Durham, North Carolina university has teamed with Cisco Systems to provide free high-speed wireless throughout a freshman dormitory - in a pilot project that could eventually expand campus-wide.
At more than five times the speed of a typical 10Mb-per-second wired network connection, the wireless network throughout Duke's new Bell Tower residence hall makes it possible for students to access the Internet, email and other applications from their laptop computers, wherever they are. In addition, they can watch one of four cable TV channels - CNN, MTV-U, ESPN and ESPN2 - anywhere in the building from their laptops.
"Our major goal in Bell Tower was to see how effectively we could deploy capacity coverage throughout the building," says Kevin Miller, network architect with Duke's Network Services group. "We wanted the wired equivalent - so students can roam around the building with access equivalent to being plugged into the wall. This includes the addition of wireless encryption to enhance the network's security."
The effort is part of the Duke Digital Initiative (DDI), a program under which the school is implementing a major, campus-wide integration of technology with academic life.
Another key element of the DDI for the fall 2005 semester, for example, is the use of Apple ® iPods ® for course work - for applications like lecture downloads and language laboratory training. "But DDI is expanding far beyond that - to assess how technology can effectively integrate with academic life," explains Miller. "Our wireless implementation is a critical element because it provides the means for students to have first-class access to the network. This lets them access online resources, including multimedia content, wherever they are.
An Enhanced Learning Environment
The benefits of this new wireless deployment reach well beyond the students to the entire Duke population.
The high-speed wireless network is recognized by faculty and staff as having a real benefit in all aspects of the teaching process. "There's been a shift in attitudes about networking. Over the past 10 years it has been seen mainly as a simple communications medium for exchanging email and accessing the Web," says Miller. "Now, however, there's a realization that the network is always available - and that they can find innovative ways of integrating new technology into their courses."
Class of 2009 and Beyond
The new wireless network in the Bell Tower residence hall will feature Cisco wireless controllers, access points and software.
"We looked at all existing vendors in the wireless space and selected Cisco to equip this network," Miller explains. "We believe its technology integrates best with our existing network (also based on Cisco equipment), especially as we look down the road."
Duke University plans to use the Bell Tower wireless rollout as a template for providing campus-wide coverage.
"We recognize how important the network is in integrating technology into the classroom, and our top priority is to make the Duke University network as ubiquitous and reliable as we can," says Miller. "With help from Cisco, the Bell Tower pilot has been a successful first step."
Today, the daily life on university campuses is becoming ever more network-connected. Providing the best possible learning environment - from course materials to Internet Protocol (IP) telephony and IP TV services - depends on having the best possible network. By taking advantage of networking technologies in creative ways, Duke University is continuing its tradition of providing a first-rate education to its students - for the class of 2009 and beyond.
Jenny Carless is a freelance writer based in Santa Cruz, CA.
