Spotlight Archive

IS&T News

IS&T Spotlight:

MIT's Wireless Casts a Wide Net (+ iSPOTS)

MIT’s campus-wide wireless network is nearing completion. IS&T has expanded the network by 1800 access points in 18 months, bringing the total number of access points to about 2800. IS&T will continue to work with departments, labs, and centers, as well as Facilities and MIT Housing, to provide full wireless coverage by the end of 2005 (though Briggs Field may need further boosts when spring training gets going).

You can view coverage of individual MIT buildings online.

IS&T is striving for robust connectivity across campus. If you are aware of any weak-to-no coverage areas, send your feedback to unwired@mit.edu.

iSPOTS
Dovetailing with the expansion of MIT’s wireless network is the opening of the iSPOTS exhibit on November 1 at the MIT Museum. This exhibit features videos showcasing the work of iSPOTS, a project led by Carlo Ratti, Director, and Andres Sevtsuk, RA, at MIT’s SENSEable City Laboratory.

At the heart of iSPOTS is the observation that “the effects of complete wireless coverage are monumental, as traditional work spaces are abandoned in favor of more enjoyable environments such as campus lounges and public spaces.” iSPOTS is documenting these changes in real time on an electronic color map, using log information from MIT’s wireless network. Over time, this monitoring will highlight how technology is modifying the use of public spaces on campus.

iSPOTS is also developing an applet that will let wireless users share their MIT location information with others. A third planned initiative is the implementation of a voice-over-IP system running on MIT’s wireless network.