PU to have centrally operated Wi-Fi network

Also,access to the network will be available only to those whose IP addresses will be registered with the server. The bonafide users will be allowed 24-hour access and unlimited downloading. However,in order to keep a tab over access to explicit content,as in the 15 hostel students whose IP addresses had been blocked by the authorities last month,a centrally-operated controller will be installed,said officials.

Currently,all the hostels and some departments,including the University Institute of Engineering and Technology,School of Communication Studies and Department of Computer Science,have been running different Wi-Fi networks. “The small networks have a limited range and it gets difficult to monitor the content access. The new network will have a common access code and will be monitored by the administrators centrally. There will also be a three-tier security system for monitoring access,” said PU Computer Centre Director K Tankeshwar.

The PU authorities had mooted the proposal for the varsity’s central network to the University Grants Commission (UGC) in April last year. The UGC has now provided a Rs 50 lakh grant to the university for the project. The first phase of the project will cost the University over Rs 1 crore. As per the officials,there will be separate funding for launching the system in the hostels,which will be provided by PU.

Computer Centre officials have studied the network models of IIT and JNU in New Delhi to determine the root map for PU’s Wi-Fi network. Tankeshwar informed,“To establish a flawless and secured network in the campus,we plan to involve at least five leading IT solutions companies of India.”

Tankeshwar said,“We have already received bids from nine International companies” but refused to disclose the names. The officials added that bringing the entire 550 acre campus under a common network will consume more funds. The other parts of the campus will be connected to the network by the end of this year.