Although the popularization of wireless networking has brought many benefits to the Penn community, there are also some problems that must be considered.
Over the last few years, Penn's campus has followed the national trend to integrate wireless networks across campus.
Still, with the large-scale spread of wireless technology come certain security risks.
Wireless networks without proper security are susceptible to hacking, connection theft, and exposure to viruses -- problems that Penn officials have to contend with.
"What we probably really have here is a whole bunch of very vulnerable systems exposed to attack or infection over a network that has no access control," Al Potter, manager of technical services at the security firm TruSecure's ICSA Labs, said in a CNN.com article.
According to Reni Roberts, a project leader with Penn's Information Systems and Computing department, the Penn wireless network is not considered to be open to these kinds of attacks because of its use of encryption for access.
The fact that the network at Penn provides service for such a large group of people is also not an immediate security concern.
The Penn wireless network utilizes "equipment that is intended to accommodate larger groups of people," Roberts said.
Locations on campus that have wireless capabilities include Hill College House, Sansom West, the engineering buildings, Van Pelt Library, Houston Hall, College Hall, College Green and others.
