Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 15:01:26 -0700
From: Kenneth Heafield <heafield>
To: mannion, cjurca at hss.caltech.edu,
Cc: Joe Monaly Jr <jemonaly>,
Subject: Networking/Cables in Modular Units

Greetings All,

    I am the student to talk to about internet access in the modular
units.  There is a petition being circulated, written my me, the full
text of which you may find at the bottom of this email.  Presently there
is a network of switches and cables providing internet access to most of
the west complex.  It is ugly and unreliable but it works most of the
time.  The residents were promised internet access in their rooms when
they moved in.  They got it because students setup a network, not
because there was one ready.  ITS says they are waiting on the
contractor but it will take several, not few, weeks. 

    Currently only Mod 8, the west side multipurpose room, has fiber
provided by ITS.  ITS has been kind enough to setup a temporary
network.  This is not an excuse for delaying internet access to rooms. 
Were trailer 8 to be the only one with internet access, the number of
people there would likely exceed fire safety requirements.  It is simply
unacceptable to expect people at a technical school to not have internet
access in their rooms for several weeks.  There is nothing the Institute
can do to stop people from obtaining access and without your approval,
it will be neither safe, reliable, nor pretty. 

    I propose two possible solutions to quickly deliver Internet access
to all modular units in a safe, more reliable, and less ugly manner:

1. Instead of stretching premade cables to their length limits, we make
cables to length.  The cables can be strung properly near the tops of
units.  This will not damage the units.  For this all the Institute
needs to do is provide a very long spool of Cat 6 cable and clips for
the ends.  Alternatively, long (~200 ft) cables could be provided but
ethernet signals degrade with distance. 

2. Wireless routers in each unit.  Instead of cables running everywhere,
each modular unit has a wireless router.  For those without wireless
cards, cables are taped to the floor.  For this plan, all the Institute
needs to provide is a wireless router for each unit.  It should support
802.11g.  The Linksys WR45G and Cisco access points (used by ITS) are
sufficiently configurable.  As ITS can attest, we know how to secure
these access points. 

As to who sets up the network, the students are willing to do it
ourselves.  Help from ITS staff and the Electric Shop would be greatly
appreciated. 
 
Sincerely,

Kenneth Heafield
Dabney ITS Representative


Here is the text of the petition:

Dear Sir or Madam,

As you may or may not be aware, Internet access is severely limited in
the modular housing complex.  Thanks to Information Technology Services
there is temporary access in Unit 8 with a cramped computer lab.
Students have strung their own cables around the complex.  The wall
ports do not function and Information Technology Services says it will
be several weeks before they do.  We depend on Internet access for many
important tasks.  To name a few,

1. Working on research projects
2. Receiving notices from Housing
3. Directory mailings about events around campus
4. Registering for classes
5. Communication with parents, many of whom are upset

The situation is not acceptable.  We petition the following:
1. Funds for Information Technology Services with instructions to
maximize Internet connectivity in the modular units as soon as possible
2. Instructing and funding contractors and Campus Planning to do
everything necessary to assist Information Technology Services
3. A different contractor for the South Houses renovation networking
(i.e. not the lowest bidder)
4. Information on who messed up and why we are being charged for it
5. Housing, Safety, and Information Technology Services will work with
students to make the infrastructure safe instead of dismantling it.
6. In the future, if Internet access is limited, all residents should be
notified in advance of moving

Signed,

The Modular Housing Residents