B Y RONNIE BLACK
For returning students, the Internet access from the dorms may seem a little slower than it used to be, but to new students the Internet is just slow overall. Although the RES bandwidth, the bandwidth that is reserved for dorms, doubled in 2006, students are experiencing low Internet protocol. For example, the download/upload speed tested on Speedtest.net on November 4 at noon from the Mountaineer computer was 138 kbit/s and 144 kbit/s respectively.
Jeff Wright from the IT Department explained that the GMC network is split into three pieces. GMC network is for staff and faculty, GMCS is for computer labs, while RES is mostly for the dorms. Recently, the network was refurbished in a way that none of the buildings affect one another. For instance, if you live in Moses your connection won’t be slowed by heavy network traffic in the other residence halls.
So, what are the reasons for RES network’s sluggishness? IT Manager Don Williams explained that two programs, eDonkey and Bit Torrent, are creating a major strain on the RES network. Not only are students using a lot of bandwidth, but people from off campus are stealing bandwidth in order to download videos or music from students. Over five-hundred computers are left logged onto the Internet during hours when students should be in class. Williams noted that education about responsible use of technology is necessary. “Students tend to think that the Internet is a singular operation,” noted Paul Millette, the Director of the Library.
The IT department is attempting to tackle these challenges. More bandwidth may not be the solution. In the future, there may be a system to limit the programs. Millette and Williams hope to have educational forums about Green Computer Usage, so that the network will work for everyone. A temporary solution for now would be to apply what your father used to say about leaving lights on in a room with no one in it, only with a slight correction – “Why is the Internet on in this room if no one is in here?”
