Dorm residents to get Internet in fall
UCLA housing begins installation of direct cable lines
By Allyssa Lee
The term "world at your fingertips" takes on a literal meaning as plans for a universal dorm networking system continue at UCLA.
The networking plans, initiated by Business Enterprises, will grant direct Internet access to on-campus residents by wiring network lines into individual dorm rooms.
"Now (the network can be) available to the individual," said Ricardo Parodi, resident director at Saxon Suites and a member of the Office of Residential Life, an organization affiliated with the Business Enterprises.
"Now students can ... serve the net in their underwear, not restricted by hours," he added.
The network wiring plans were initiated in conjunction with controversial plans for the installation of cable television in response to growing student requests.
The debate arose over the installation process, which requires students to vacate their rooms and clear out their closets during specified periods so that cable and network wiring can be installed.
This process, begun a few weeks ago, caused some students to worry about the inconveniences and problems they may encounter during the installation process, which should be completed by fall 1995.
The network and cable installation were both in demand among some students, business enterprise officials said.
"Students have been asking for cable for a while, and we made a commitment to provide cable television in the dorm rooms," Parodi said. "At the same time, we (decided to) run the networks the students want that. And we also looked at the different institutions like Stanford, MIT, Berkeley ..., where networking is happening at that point. (The Internet) is coming and we cannot get behind."
According to members of the ORL, the project involves directly wiring network cables into each dorm room, eliminating the need for modems and granting high-speed communication for a more efficient Internet use at UCLA.
To use the Internet in their dorms, students need to buy a network card, a high speed communication device that replaces the telephone modem and connects a computer directly to the network lines installed in individual rooms.
The card and network lines allow high-speed communication in contrast to phone lines which inhibit modem efficiency, officials said. The network card bridges the wiring to the actual computer screen, providing access to the general Internet, including e-mail, file transfers and the Worldwide Web.
"(Dorms) are hooked up directly," Parodi said, "but it's available to the whole UCLA community."
While some students expressed approval of the new system, others said they had qualms about costs.
"It costs money for the program," said Nikki Nugent, an undeclared first-year student. "(I get the) programs free through Tin Can," Nugent said in reference to the software that gives her e-mail and Orion access.