Wired for Wireless

New core network paves the way for wireless

The upgrade to Towson's wired network provides a reliable foundation on which to build Towson Unplugged. The wireless network will provide Internet access almost anywhere on campus, including the "Beach."

Everyone's talking about it.

By the end of fall semester 2004, Towson Unplugged wireless networking will allow students, faculty and staff to access the Internet from almost anywhere on campus.

But what you might not know is that the university also boasts a completely new, state-of-the-art wired network.

The upgrade to the core network infrastructure, which was completed throughout summer 2004, was commissioned in part as a prerequisite for the upcoming wireless component. Wireless networks depend on traditional wired networks in order to work. As such, the wired network will provide a reliable foundation on which to build Towson Unplugged.

"Towson's core network is more reliable, manageable and secure than ever before," Jim Monroe, assistant director of Networking and Communications Services, said. "It's the backbone for Towson Unplugged, and I'm excited about the new opportunities that will become available to the Towson community from these enhancements."

Currently, OTS is working collaboratively with Northrop Grumman Information Technology engineers to install radio transmitters called access points throughout campus. These access points will serve as base stations that broadcast radio signals for the wireless network.

Over the next few months, OTS will configure the wireless equipment for use by the general campus, as well as test it for stability and performance. Security systems will also be tested and validated to ensure the maximum level of security is employed.

For more information about Towson Unplugged, go to www.towson.edu/unplugged.