U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Internet technology experts at the Air Force Academy say the school will boost the security of its local area network and help cadets pursue their education by installing an optional wireless commercial network provider in cadet facilities this summer.
Cadets who choose this optional service will be able to connect and install external hardware, equipment and programs, and access a variety of online media.
The change will drastically expand the bandwidth of the Academy’s overwhelmed LAN by moving live streaming and most personal capabilities from that network, said the Academy’s dean of educational technology, Dr. Andy Laffely.
“This should increase the network bandwidth available for mission-essential activities," Laffley said.
The installation of the commercial network will enhance the Academy’s mission of developing leaders of character, said the Academy’s chief information officer and director of communications and information, Lt. Col. Susana Markin.
“The current state of our [LAN] makes it impossible to meet our educational mission requirements and cyber security compliance,” she said. “The cadet wireless solution is one of several major internet technology initiatives the Academy is aggressively pursuing to transform IT into an enabling capability of our core mission to develop the next generation of Air Force leaders.”
Markin said the move comes at no cost to the tax payer and will deliver high speed internet throughout all cadet facilities, including dormitories, classrooms, lounges and the Air Force Academy Preparatory School.
David Hluska, the Academy’s chief of communications and information division, said a cursory analysis of the Academy’s LAN shows live streaming and other activities constrict cadets’ online educational pursuits.
“The current infrastructure is simply unable to handle it,” he said.
Hluska said the commercial internet provider does not have exclusive rights to provide internet service to cadets. Cadets can request service from another provider if they meet local infrastructure requirements.