Accessing the Internet has become easier at the University through wireless networking. Now University students, faculty and staff can access the Internet with only a laptop and a wireless card. Cords no longer need to be plugged into ethernet jacks as public wireless locations pop up all over campus.

The first two public wireless locations are up and running at the Undergraduate Library and Grainger Engineering Library Information Center, said Beth Scheid, director of Campus Information Technology and Educational Services (CITES). Scheid said CITES tried to choose different geographical locations on campus.

"Quickly following will be the Illini Union Courtyard, the Music Library, the Graduate Main Library and the Digital Computing Lab Atrium," she said.

Public access points that provide Internet reception for computers make wireless networking possible. These access points, similar in function to Ethernet jacks, are installed in the walls of the venue and provide Internet access to users within a limited distance from the source of the access point.

Scheid said the reliability of wireless networking is similar to cellular phones.

"Just like with cellular phones there can be interference and the phone may not always work," she said. Interference can happen with the wireless networking, depending upon the number of users at that location and the distance from an access point.

CITES began thinking about wireless networking in 1997, she said.

"We have a research and development group that is always looking way beyond," Scheid said. "They look to see what is the next best thing and is it something we need to consider for this campus."

Last spring, CITES tracked about 200 users on wireless networking each day, but recently the numbers have grown to around 600 a day, she said.

"Students are very excited," said William Mischo, head of Grainger Library. "We have had a fair number of questions from people inquiring about the network."

Mischo said the wireless network is broader than they had originally planned.

David Ward, reference coordinator for the Undergraduate Library, said the wireless network has reached into the library's courtyard. The network covers most of the upstairs and about 60 percent of the northwest side downstairs, he said.

"Students like to be able to set up where they want," Ward said. "Those with a wireless notebook will really appreciate the service."

Users need a network ID, password and the virtual private network (VPN) client provided by the University to access the wireless network.

The VPN client must be downloaded and installed on the computer and requires users to identify themselves to prevent others from using the system, Scheid said. She said it is the security-based way of using wireless.

CITES will implement a new VPN soon because the existing client will no longer provide support from the company, Scheid said.

Funding for CITES to install a limited number of public wireless locations and continue maintenance is provided by the Office of the Chief Information Officer with support from the Provost, according to a CITES press release. Individual University departments have been very interested in wireless networking and many have paid for the installation themselves, Scheid said. There are 16 wireless locations at this time, she added.

A clear explanation of how to access and download the VPN client can be found on the CITES Web site. Any questions can be directed to the CITES Help Desk at 244-7000.