Computing official seek relief for U. modem pool

Busy signals are plaguing students trying to gain remote access to PennNet, the University's Internet system. More than 13,000 individual users vie for 620 modem slots available for dial-in Internet access, according to Noam Arzt, executive director of Administration and Information Technology Architecture. Students living off campus and in the Quadrangle -- with the exception of Ware College House residents -- do not have ResNet and so must use a modem to access the Internet over telephone lines, Arzt said. Dorms wired for ResNet allow students to connect their computers directly to the Internet for e-mail, World Wide Web and other uses. The increase in modem activity among students living in the Quad, among other reasons, has rendered the University's modem pool incapable of providing faster service, according to Arzt. He added that the Quad is scheduled to be wired for ResNet this summer. "It takes at least 15 minutes to get through and it ties up your phone lines while you're waiting," Engineering freshman and Quad resident Kevin Dreyer said. "Everyone is having problems with it." College freshman Arcangel Abbatemarco said he has also had major problems with the limited modem pool, noting that he has experienced delays up to a half-hour. Simply increasing the modem pool -- the number of students who can gain access at one time -- is not a viable solution, Arzt said. Expanding the system would create increased costs and technical problems. He added that enhancing PennNet's existing modems would serve users more efficiently. Arzt also said he supports a plan to set limits on the amount of time users can spend in the modem pool. Users would have to monitor their own use -- once they exceeded the limit, their modem would automatically be disconnected, with no warning. He suggested a one-hour limit for modems running at 28.8 baud, a two-hour limit for 14.4 baud modems and an "express pool" with a 15-minute limit for those who only need brief access to the Internet. Dreyer said he favors the implementation of a time limit if it would improve access to e-mail and other Internet services. But Abbatemarco said a time limit would not solve the problem. "It may reduce the amount of time people spend on the network, but you will still have to sit and wait until someone gets off the system," Abbatemarco said. "If you have to wait a half-hour to get into the system, you shouldn't be kicked off in 20 minutes." Arzt has also mentioned the possibility of developing a cooperative venture with a local Internet service provider to give the University community reduced rate access to that outside service. Vice Provost of Information Systems and Computing Jim O'Donnell stressed the importance of choosing an immediate course of action because of the pressure now weighing on the modem pool. But even when a quick relief is found, officials may hold off on long-term decisions, Arzt said, adding that constantly changing technology makes it difficult to develop a permanent solution. Representatives from Information Systems and Computing will hold an open forum today at 10 a.m. in Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge to discuss the current modem pool situation.

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