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Students are reaping the benefits of having Wi-Fi nearly everywhere on campus, providing a convenient way to complete schoolwork or for recreational use.Not all students use the Internet strictly for school, but many are finding it a convenient way to do homework nearly anywhere on campus, including outdoors.

Political Science major Jesse Killian uses the Internet between classes to catch up on assignments. “It’s a perfect way to stay ahead,” he said. “I can be typing a paper outdoors in the sunshine, which makes doing schoolwork more enjoyable.”

PCC completed a campus-wide infrastructure overhaul in 2008, adding over 300 wireless access points (WAP), devices that allow wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi, according to Network Administrator Gary Potts. “In 2005, PCC started off with only 15 to 20 WAPs,” he said. “Since then, we have added hundreds more to nearly the entire campus.”

Users can access the Internet with laptops, iPod Touchs, iPads and any other electronic device that can connect to the Internet.

Sociology major Tasha Purves uses the Internet for homework, job hunting and for passing time on her breaks with Facebook.

“Because I spend so much time at school, it’s important that I get as many things accomplished as possible,” she said. “When all my assignments are done, I spend much of my available time looking for a job, and squeezing in some Facebook, too.”

Certain areas of the campus, like the Campus Center, provide stronger signal than others, but, overall, users are pleased with the connection speed, according to Fidel Olmos, Shatford Library college assistant.

“The connection in the library can be slow at times, especially during peak times of the day, like lunch,” he said. “But overall, users are pleased.”

Nursing major Joanne Kim feels that it is a stable connection considering the vast range it covers.

“The connection seems like it has been getting more reliable as time goes by,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine campus without it now.”

According to Potts, the areas on campus with the most Wi-Fi usage are the Shatford Library and the Campus Center, which includes the new Wi-Fi lounge.

“These areas can serve up to hundreds of users at any given time, and over one thousand per hour campus-wide,” he said. “These areas are more concentrated with WAPs to serve the higher number of users.”

WAPs are circular, plastic modules that allow wireless devices to connect to the Wi-Fi network, and are mounted on walls and ceilings to avoid physical signal interferences, according to Raymond Lee, assistant computer technician. Determining the locations for WAPs is crucial for effective connection.

According to Potts, the amount of usage and structural density are factors taken into consideration. “Installers use advanced computer programs to determine the placement of the WAPs,” he said.

Psychology major Jason Yassero says he has not noticed the WAPs around campus. “I guess I never really paid attention to where exactly the Internet was coming from,” he said. “I am just glad that we have it.

A laptop attempts to connect to the sluggish Wi-Fi in the Shatford Library on May 17. (Louis C. Cheung)

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