Students at Indiana University South Bend can now access the Internet while sitting outside enjoying the sunshine on the quad, relaxing in the lounge, or eating in the cafeteria. Wireless Internet connections are available at eight locations across campus, including the Administration Building, Riverside and Wiekamp halls, Student Activities Center, Franklin D. Schurz Library, Northside and Greenlawn classroom buildings and the pedestrian mall.

The new technology is part of an ongoing effort at IU South Bend to make the campus computer friendly. “Our goal is to have wireless Internet access in all of the areas of campus that aren’t already hard-wired,” said Pat Ames, vice chancellor for Information Technology at IU South Bend.

IU South Bend started the project as a way to supplement its computer labs. “Wireless allows students to access the Internet without having to wait in line at the computer labs. This is especially helpful during exams when there is high demand for computer time,” said Ames. The service is free.

To use the wireless system, a student needs an IU South Bend account, a computer with receiving and transmitting capabilities, and a call to the campus computer help desk for set-up instructions. The IUSB wireless network requires 802.11b or 802.11g frequency standard. Wireless connection accessories are available at local electronic products stores.

The wireless network is comprised of a series of access points on campus that send and receive signals.

Indiana University (Bloomington) was recently ranked first on the list of “most unwired campuses” by Intel Corp. San Francisco was named the “most unwired” city and Dallas-Fort Worth International was the “most unwired” airport.