Director of Technology Greg Russell is heading the search for a new wireless Internet system with increased speed and capacity for a reasonable price.

 Russell is considering the Internet providers Cisco, Ruckus, SonicWall, and Aerohive to supply the wireless.  He is currently getting bids and proposals from these companies to help him decide.  “We want to get the best solution for the lowest price,” Russell said.

 One of the major problems with the current wireless system is low capacity, the amount of people who can connect to the wireless at the same time, in high occupancy areas such as the library and cafeteria.  Another issue is that the demand placed on the wireless is becoming much greater than when it was installed.  “People are certainly doing far more than they were when we first started using laptops,” Russell said.

 “We definitely need to update the router system, because it isn’t as strong at certain points,” freshman Abbey Levee said.

 The plan for the new wireless system installation is to replace and reposition access points.  The changes made during installation will be minor, because the wiring system is already in place.  “Installation with no one here should take roughly three to five days with students out of school. That’s if things go smoothly,” Russell said.

 Russell plans to use the money from the Need for Speed Raffle, but will need additional funding.  “It wasn’t as much as [we] were hoping to get, but it’s a good amount and I’m grateful for it,” Russell said.

Elise Adamson is a News Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com