Increasing speed from 11 to 54 megabits per second (Mbps) will improve access of data via e-mail and the Web. Users connect to the wireless network with a wireless network interface card in their laptops or handheld computers. Ball State's wireless network has 3,000 users.

Forethought helped make the upgrade a simple process. The network was designed so that it could adapt to quickly changing standards, said O'Neal Smitherman, Ball State's vice president for information technology.

The university's network will be upgraded by installing internal cards in 350 wireless access points, or hubs. In contrast, many other wireless networks require a total replacement of existing infrastructure to take advantage of the new technology.

Smitherman said wireless computing is changing the way people think about computers in the same way that cell phones revolutionized telephone conversations.

"I can get information anywhere I want under any sort of situation I find myself in," he said. "You change the way you think about getting access to resources and information. We're seeing incredibly creative ways to make our lives richer, fuller and more exciting."

As students enter the workforce, the advanced network will better prepare them to be leaders among those who are using technology, Smitherman added.

The upgrade should be completed within the next two months and should have a minimum impact on active users. Computers using old 11 Mbps cards will still be able to function on the network, but at the slower speed.

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact Smitherman at (765) 285-1045 or osmitherman@bsu.edu.)