University adds new Internet connection for on-campus use

Computing at IU might have just gotten a bit easier. University Information Technology Services announced Tuesday it has implemented a second high capacity Internet connection for on-campus residents. The new connection allows students living in residence halls to link to Web sites separate from the University without campus Internet activity interference.\nChristine Fitzpatrick, manager of communications and planning for UITS, said the connection will double IU's ability to effectively transmit data to and from external Web servers.\nTerry Usrey, director of communications services, said the change was made to better accommodate students. \n"We added the new connection to alleviate congestion, provide better network usability and management, and give the students in residence halls their own window on the Internet," Usrey said in a press release. "We recognize that the Internet has become an integral part of student life at IU and greater bandwidth was necessary to accommodate increased student use."\nJunior Amy Harris, the Residence Hall Association's director of information technology, said there will be a noticeable difference in connection times. \n"The connection times are going to be a lot faster," Harris said. "Especially when so many of our classes have information on the net. It is a much easier, much more efficient way to get information on their computer."\nHarris said she already could tell the increased connection speed. \n"It's a noticeable difference -- one that you're not going to get off-campus," Harris said. "You notice it in terms of when you do jump online, things are coming up a lot faster. It's a definite benefit."\nUITS created a Web site to help students navigate the new system. The site provides students with opportunities to learn more about the network, as well as forums for news and announcements concerning campus technology.\nThe site can be accessed at resnet.indiana.edu.