The University’s newest dormitory—Bell Tower on East Campus—boasts more than an aesthetic exterior and comfortable, air-conditioned rooms. The dorm offers residents a state-of-the-art wireless network that gives them full Internet mobility and high-speed access to streaming video, audio and data.
A product of a partnership between Duke and Cisco Systems, Inc., Bell Tower’s wireless network is a part of the University’s initiative to keep up with the advancement of streaming wireless broadcast of academic content.
“We are getting a lot of more involved in distributing electronic digital content,” said Tracy Futhey, vice president for the information technology and chief information officer. “Students could use streaming wireless video content to review parts of lectures.”
Duke is currently working on a proposal with Cisco to extend Bell Tower’s wireless capacity to other dormitories, Futhey added.
Alan Cohen, senior director of marketing for Cisco’s Wireless Networking Business Unit, said he views the current partnership as forward-thinking and “bullish” of the University.
“We believe the wireless ‘triple play’—[voice, video and data exchange]—will play a key role in how students live, learn and play over the next few years,” he wrote in an e-mail.
In addition to the academic benefits of Bell Tower’s technology, students have access to free streaming video feeds from four cable television channels—ESPN, ESPN2, CNN and MTV-U—on a faster connection than any other dormitory or building at the University.
The higher speed is due to the increased ratio of wireless access points to rooms, designed to “provide a replacement for the wired network,” said Kevin Miller, senior analyst for OIT.
Instead of having one wireless access point for every 12 to 15 rooms—the case in other dorms—Bell Tower has roughly one access point for every three rooms. In other residence halls wireless networking is only available on the first floor, but in Bell Tower it is available throughout the dorm.
More wireless access points increase dependability and decrease the chance of losing a connection.
“The wireless network provides enhanced security and speed over our existing network,” Miller said. “We feel these are important capabilities for a next-generation, pervasive wireless network at Duke.”
University officials view Bell Tower as “a pilot project” and will continue to monitor the progress of the new system, Miller said, adding that it serves “as a model for wireless networking across campus.”
Bell Tower residents generally agree with officials that the innovative features are worthwhile.
“Sometimes [the wireless] cuts off, but it’s really rare. It always comes back on immediately,” freshman Andrew Cook said, adding that the wireless in the nearby Carr Building is “a little slower.”
Residents who have used the streaming video features of the wireless network said they find it convenient, even though the feed is not always as clear as it would be on a television.
“It’s pretty cool that we can get cable for free; you go to a site, and it streams the videos,” freshman Alex Gorham said. “It’s great to be able to pick up your laptop and carry it wherever you go.”
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