The rumors ARE TRUE!  There is a new network coming to CWC and life will get better.  There is hope again.  

A future where:

• You can make and keep computer connections
• You can count on working and playing on your computer - from every dorm room and apartment.  EVEN WEST Apartments!
• Fast / Reliable / Everywhere

Five things to know about the wireless network at CWC: We know it is currently inadequate - especially in housing, and most especially in the three apartment buildings (East/West/Annex) We have a plan to fix it and will invest over $100,000 this year to do so.  We will start in housing and are scheduled to be done there by the end of this Fall term. We will need your help.  Workers will need to enter your rooms and apartments.  We will always give you prior notice.  As this is a priority, workers will sometimes start really early in the morning - like 7:00 am this Friday (9/12/2014) in the Annex!!  We will spread this pain around. No wired connections.  To install the new wireless on the ceiling of your apts/rooms we will need to use the wired network connection that exists now.  For some folks, that means once we install the network this Fall, there will no longer be a wired connection into your room.  For others, that will go away over the Winter break.  We know that for most (all?) of you, wireless is what you prefer - as long as it is fast and reliable.  We commit to making it so.  If your computer does not have a wireless connection - see Scott in the housing office,  He will see what he can do to get your computer a wireless connection.  After the new network is in, we will also start enforcing the requirement that no wireless routers be allowed in housing.  These unauthorized wireless routers emit a signal that interferes with the college signal and will cause others near you to lose their connection.  Besides, with this new good connection available, you will not need to install one of your own. The new network will be state-of-the-art and the latest and fastest wireless technology.  Older computers will still work - new ones will work faster.  If getting a new computer, make sure its wireless connection is “802.11ac compliant”.  It is the “ac” that is the fastest.  802.11n is fast, 802.11a/b/g is slower.  All will still connect to the new wireless network. Questions?  Come and let’s discuss them.  John Wood, the college’s Chief Information Officer, and Scott McFarland, Residential Life Manager, will host a Q&A Monday, September 15 3:00 pm in Mote Hall Grand Lobby.  Come and find out anything you want to know about this plan and the new wireless network that will be installed.