September 2005 — Applications
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Big Dreams, Small Budget
“We pride ourselves on equipping students for future leadership roles,” says Boone. “CDW-G supported our mission and offered products and services to create a wireless networking environment, which reduces costs and delivers high-quality connectivity, anywhere, anytime. They helped us choose a solution that presented more options for future growth.”
Assessing the New System
In June 2001, CSU tested 30 access points, several switches, a high-bandwidth managed cable modem, router, server, and associated equipment, which by mid- August were all fully operational. As students arrived on campus that fall, they received their cards. Everything ran smoothly until the ISP-provided router began locking up, requiring resetting every 20 minutes. Investigations revealed that students were using the system to download movies, music, videos, and other media. More than 500 students were using the new system, but 40 were using all the bandwidth.
The university switched to a managed T-1 and determined that the existing router could not adequately handle the load of more than 500 students. Working with CDW-G, CSU selected a Cisco (www.cisco.com) PIX 515 firewall and a bandwidth packet shaper to control bandwidth usage. This enabled the administrator to limit the amount of bandwidth each student received, blocking excessive downloads. Subsequently, students could enjoy high-speed Internet access up to four times faster than the dial-up solution.
Educational Resources at Your Fingertips
“With a more sophisticated networking system, students have the freedom to access educational resources from almost anywhere on campus,” says Boone, adding that “with uninterrupted, fast, convenient connectivity, students experience a more positive learning environment.”
After the successful residence hall deployment, CSU expanded the network to cover every building on campus, including classrooms, the library, eateries, and living areas. Now, more than 1,000 residential and 2,000 commuter students can access the Internet, use e-mail, conduct research, and retrieve class materials campuswide. Today, the university maintains one of the largest wireless networks in South Carolina and was the first university in the state to provide wireless Internet access in all of its buildings—more than 80 access points in 23 buildings.
CSU and CDW-G also worked together in 2004 to select 3Com’s IntelliJack Switch NJ225 FX, which transformed a single fiber connection into four 10/100 switched ports. This allowed CSU to distribute its network to wireless access points without buying and installing expensive fiberswitching platforms that exceeded present and future needs.
Exploring Endless Possibilities
CSU equipped the campus with other new technology products to enhance learning on campus, as well. All classrooms have wired and wireless Internet access, while 90 percent have fixed LCD projectors and smart podiums, allowing faculty to bring the Internet to the classroom and infuse technology into the curriculum. Consequently, after only a year, the student failure/ withdrawal rates decreased by 13 percent.
