Dawson College Chooses gMobile For Secure Wireless Networks / Database Integration

THE CHALLENGE
Dawson College is the largest C.E.G.E.P. (community college) in the province of Quebec. The cost of maintaining a computing and communications infrastructure represents a significant cost to the College. Computer labs provide everyone with access to the Internet, but they are expensive to keep up to date.
With the increased presence of laptops on Campus and the benefits of a wireless network, the College decided to implement a wireless network for students, faculty, and staffs.
CHANGES IN THE ENVIRONMENT
New, high-speed, wireless communications technologies appear to be a cost-effective way to provide students, faculty and staff with access to schools’ networks and to the Internet. WiFi (802.11) can provide short range access throughout a campus in areas such as classrooms, libraries and meeting rooms. Wireless bridges can be used to connect buildings and provide access outdoors for mobile users.
Colleges are putting more of their instruction on-line. More and more classes use a combination of classroom time for the more difficult concepts and on-line sessions for less complex material and discussions. Students are bringing laptop computers to campus for note taking, research, and homework preparation. Dawson College wanted to capitalize on the shifting trends.
The Solution
Dawson College presently uses a centralized Novell Directory Services database. All students, faculty, and staff have an account on the NDS server. The College naturally wanted to use its existing database to authenticate users. The administrators also expressed a concern for a secure and easy to use wireless solution.
gMobile implemented its proprietary web based gMobile Gateway for the College. Secure Certificates were used to ensure the privacy of usernames and passwords transmitted over the wireless LAN. Users simply need to open a web browser to be automatically directed to a login page. After entering their assigned username and password, access is granted to the College’s Wireless LAN
Students are now being encouraged to bring laptop computers to campus. This will allow Dawson College to assess the need for additional computer labs in the future. More classes eventually include an on-line component. Such a pilot project demonstrates how schools can play a major role in broadening technology use in every day lives.
BENEFITS
The Dawson College Wireless Network will dramatically increase technology access for its students. Presently, students have the choice of bringing their own laptop on campus or using the College's computer labs. A wireless network usually saves a school substantial amount of capital associated with maintaining and upgrading computer labs.
Accessing the wireless network will be more convenient than accessing the wired LAN. With wireless, connections in classrooms, meeting rooms, library stacks, offices, and in open spaces are readily available.
Wireless networks will support the growth of on-line learning programs. On-line class sessions will reduce the need for classroom time, allowing the college to offer additional classes and increase the size of the student body.
Students will become accustomed to working with information and communications technologies, increasing their value to employers.
ABOUT gMobile
gMobile is a wireless solution integrator with particular emphasis on industrial clients. Our expertise with wireless LANS and partnerships with leading wireless solutions providers such as Cisco Systems and Symbol Technologies will ensure that your wireless solution integrates seamlessly into the wired LAN. From the wireless access point to helping you choose the right laptops, to database integration, we will implement a solution that is right for you. Our head office is located in Montreal, Quebec, and our website address is www.gmobile.ca.
gMobile: 514-807-4644 or 1-866-441-6085