Academy unplugged: study reveals key practices in wireless networking and planning. (Stats Watch).

According to a new study, Wireless Networking in Higher Education, during the past 18 months wireless implementations have moved from early adopters to a rapidly growing group of IHEs using the technology to expand networking capabilities and enhance their institutional appeal--both to applicants and prospective faculty. The study, released in August, was conducted for the EDUCAUSE Center for Applied Research by IDC (a Web-based IT market research and marketing services provider). It is supported by data collected between November 27 and December 12, 2001, from nearly 400 U.S. and Canadian IHEs. The majority of institutions surveyed had at least limited WLANs in place, though only 7 percent had implemented comprehensive wireless networks. One quarter were in the planning stages, and only 6 percent had no plans to implement a WLAN.

Recent activity. According to the study, 2000 and 2001 were active for WLAN implementations. Three-quarters of IHEs that moved forward with pilot programs and larger-scale wireless solutions did so in that time period. Most schools view wireless as technology that has only recently reached a level of development that warrants serious consideration.

Approaches. IHEs vary in their approaches to networking, depending on enrollment. According to the study, smaller colleges and universities (with fewer than 10,000 FTEs) are likely to implement campuswide WLANs from the ground up. Larger institutions are more likely to implement wireless technology in specific buildings, to move forward as resources and comfort with the technology allow.

Loci. Libraries and classrooms were cited as most often having current wireless coverage (2001) and most likely to benefit from wireless networks in the future (2003). Dormitories and research centers were noted to have the least amount of coverage, but that is expected to increase by 10 percent for research centers and 8 percent for dorms by 2003.

Success factors. For a WLAN implementation to succeed, various constituencies of the institution must support the effort, said survey respondents. Almost 90 percent of those moving forward with WLANs indicated that beyond the IT group's critical involvement, a diverse range of participants--faculty, students, administrators--were involved. The factor most often cited as influential in the decision to implement a wireless network was easier student access to the network. But the ability to grow the network more easily and to provide classroom access to the network were also cited as important by more than 40 percent of respondents. A factor considered less important: operating cost savings.

Challenges. The challenge cited most often (as WLANs are introduced and expanded) was security, mentioned by almost 70 percent of respondents. Concerns were associated with protecting the network through effective authentication and authorization procedures. Respondents were least concerned about interoperability with wired networks.

Satisfaction. Survey respondents--even those at an early stage of implementation--indicated remarkable satisfaction with network results. Seventy-four percent said their expectations had been met; 14 percent noted their expectations were exceeded.

Factors Considered Important in the Decision to Implement a Wireless
Network

Student anytime access          51%
Growth ability                  43%
Classroom access                43%
Faculty anytime access          41%
Solve specific problem/app.     38%
Leading-edge perception         35%
Commuter student access         30%
Easier move/add/change          24%
Savings over installing wired   21%
Competitive pressures           21%
Operating cost savings/wired    11%

% of respondents rating factors (8-10 only, from a scale of 1-10)

Note: Table made from bar graph.