October 2003 — Applications
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Alexandria Technical College Flourishes With the Implementation of a Wireless Network
The students also enjoy the flexibility of wireless, according to Jed Johnson, a recent ATC graduate. "Of course, there are some drawbacks regarding access points being out of range at times, but in general the student body has easily adapted to the wireless environment," he says. "In fact, we'd like to see the entire campus go wireless. The students enjoy the hands-on learning experience with the technology and the convenience."
Speed and reliability may have been concerns for ATC prior to installation, but they were quickly put to rest. "It's been better than we expected," says D'ebbert. "We've received no negative feedback saying there was an inadequate connection. We initially thought there might be a slower connection, but that simply hasn't been the case. The speed and reliability are the same as being wired."
Expanding the Network
ATC also continues to expand its wireless network with the help of MPC Computers, recently purchasing 200 additional laptops, according to D'ebbert. "We're very pleased with the systems, as well as the level of personalized service we receive," he says. "MPC designed the laptops to meet the rugged demands of students constantly opening and closing them and carrying them around everywhere. We completed extensive testing on the notebooks and are very impressed."
ATC will be constructing a new computer science building with 21 classrooms and a large lecture hall, and incorporating wireless technology is already part of the plan. "We're also setting up another existing concrete construction building as wireless," adds D'ebbert.
Since initial deployment in January 2002, ATC has expanded its wireless network to about a third of the campus, and it's continuing to grow. "When students choose an institution of learning, they expect nothing less than the latest technology," says D'ebbert. "Going wireless has been a positive experience for us, and I would encourage any educational institution to do the same."
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