“As far as performance goes, either one is just as good as the other,” Lee said. “VT-Wireless is preferred just because it provides another layer of encryption for your data between yourself and the access point. ... It takes a data packet and encapsulates it so that it’s difficult for others to read that data.”
VT-Wireless might also be preferable because there is no need to open a browser and log in every time.
“It’ll log in for you automatically,” Lee said.
However, Lee said many complain that it is difficult to install the personal network access certificate, decreasing VT-Wireless usage. The Network Access Certificate for the network has been available since the summer of 2008.
There are no plans to merge both networks into VT-Wireless, Lee said, because it uses a technology not all devices support.
“Guest users inversely have to log in through VT-WLAN, so we’ll keep VT-WLAN or something that will replace VT-WLAN, but it will still be a Web browser access, functionally the same,” Lee said. “We may decide to change the name.”
For students who are sitting in class and complaining about the time it takes to log in, Lee and Kidd suggest to call 4HELP (campus extension 1-4357), as there are no tips in getting around that issue. “It’s probably demand-based. It shouldn’t take that long to log in, even if the room is loaded. So, open up the trouble ticket and someone will take a look.”
Jeffrey Kidd, a spokesman for Communications Network Services, said those experiencing trouble can either call the 4HELP number or if they can log on, they can submit a request for assistance at the 4help.vt.edu site.
The more that students provide feedback to technicians behind the scenes, the more attention can be called to it and the more deeply the problem can be looked into.
“So if you have trouble, I encourage you to report them,” Lee said. “If you get online go to the Web site or send an e-mail.”
Kidd said there would not be any change in the wireless networks in the foreseeable future.
“Technology changes, but based on what we know now and things of that sort, they’re both going to continue to cooperate.”
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About time wireless is being used in dorms! I say get it in all rooms in dorms, but definitely in common areas first (if it isn't there already). It was a pain when I was a freshman that it was easier to get wireless in academic buildings and not in my living area.
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Cinder block walls are not nice. They make the school look like a penitentiary. Wooden walls are nice, plaster walls are nice. Cinder block walls, are not nice.
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