'KSpot' supplies WIFI service

Students and Bloomington residents can now unplug their laptops from their homes and take them to the latest hot spot, or "KSpot" that is. Kiva Networking and IU are behind the wireless frenzy on and off campus that has led Intel to name IU most unwired campus. This marvel came about in mid-September when IU and Kiva collaborated in providing Internet access to students and Bloomington residents. \nAvailability to the wireless Internet is provided through a transmitter at a "KSpot." These designated areas are divided into specific areas and public areas. Specific areas are restaurants and bars that allow the access and the public areas are the parks and "outside" areas where Internet access is available. Some specific areas include The Village Deli and The City Grille. Public areas include the downtown courthouse square and Third Street Park. \nThe "KSpots" are fed by a high-speed land line. There are access points, or radios, in certain points.\nStudents and residents alike will now be able to access the wireless Internet provided by Kiva with the help of wireless cards.\n"Wireless cards associate to the radio, and the radio sends traffic over the land line in the restaurant or area. All areas allow wireless Internet to run on high-speed lines," said Patrick Bohannon, director of technical services for Kiva. \nBruce Myers, president and CEO of Kiva Networking, said this service is available to anyone who is a Kiva client and all of IU's students, faculty and staff. \n"Wireless Internet is a standard Kiva service … (and) any student automatically has access with their IU user name and password," said Bohannon. \nOff campus, students can also take advantage of the wireless Internet no matter what Internet provider they have in their house or apartment. \n"Providers for off-campus students doesn't matter. All you need is a wireless card," Bohannon said. \nAccording to the University Information Technology Services Web site, the increase of technology allows students to access the Internet in more places.\n"It is important that the University continue to meet the evolving and expanding needs of the academic community by providing ubiquitous, secure and reliable access to the network resources," said Associate Vice President for Telecommunications at IU Brian Voss. "Not just in offices, labs, classrooms and dormitories, but from anywhere on campus." \nMany students enjoy the ability to use the computer in class. Senior Trent Chitwood has had wireless Internet access since October of 2003. \n"I'm able to multi-task while I'm learning," he said.\nHe does, however, have concerns about the areas where the service is available.\n"(Wireless Internet) is only in certain areas, so it's not as accessible as it could be. But I think they are working on it to expand the network."\n-- Contact staff writer Andrea Opperman at acopperm.