By Rebecca Wyatt, OU Web Writer

Elliott Hall has come online as the newest building on campus to offer wireless Internet access. A number of other areas on campus also have wireless technology so students, faculty and staff with laptops and wireless enabled devices can browse the Web between classes.

OU has a number of wireless networks available on campus to anyone with a Grizznet ID, including:

• All residence hall and student apartment buildings — throughout each building
• Dodge Hall — second floor classrooms and hallways
• Elliott Hall — throughout the building
• Kresge Library — throughout the building and outside to Saints and Sinners Fountain
• Oakland Center — main level and expansion area
• O’Dowd Hall — nursing lab and conference room
• Pawley Hall — atrium and some areas throughout the building
• Rec Center — throughout the building
• Science and Engineering Building — second floor coffee area

A wireless network card is required to access the network. Most of the wireless cards sold in stores will be supported on OU’s network. A Grizznet login also is required. For faculty, staff and currently enrolled students, this is the same login for e-mail.

To begin a wireless session, open a Web browser and enter the Grizznet information when prompted. Once authenticated, the Web is available. 

The wireless networks are designed for convenience of laptop computers. Because they are shared networks, users may not see the type of productivity they are use to with a wired connection, although the networks are designed to provide the most optimal connection, according to Terrie Rowe, assistant vice president of University Technology Services. 

“We try to design our wireless access points for up to 25 users per access point so that up to 25 people are sharing the bandwidth,” Rowe said.

As with the other wireless networks on campus, the network is secure, but users should be aware that any data transmitted may possibly be intercepted by people nearby.

The wireless networks on campus are installed based on the request of leadership in the area and the ability of the requesting department to provide initial and maintenance funding for a number of years, according to Rowe.

For more information on the wireless networks or on obtaining a Grizznet login, visit the Information Technology Web site.