In a generation of new and ever-expanding technological innovations students are no longer bound to their desk when using the Internet.

Instead, using the latest wireless tools they can venture to the far reaches of campus and still surf the Web at high speeds.

N.C. State’s wireless Internet project Nomad was started in November of 2002 and has slowly grown in size; now providing high-speed Internet using LAN technologies everywhere from the Brickyard to Centennial Campus.

“The wireless on campus has made my life really convenient. If you only have a limited time between classes you can still access the Internet and that leads to further efficiency in my work,” Jiwei Zhu, a freshmen in biological sciences, said.

Although wireless service is not provided in the dorms, ResNet and ComTech, the on-campus Internet suppliers, allow residents to install personal wireless access points — provided they adhere to certain restrictions.

However, the extra security required in the dorms leads some students to regret creating their own wireless networks.

“Having wireless is more of a pain then its worth. Living in such close proximity to others I am always having someone try to hack into my network and that slows down my connection,” Brian Slightom, a sophomore in computer engineering, said.

Many local businesses, such as Helios Coffee Company have also decided to cash in on wireless Internet’s growing popularity.

It has been worth the investment, we definitely get our money’s worth Steven Huntington, a partial owner of the Helios said.

“We often have people show up for the first time who have heard of our free Internet service who are now regulars,” Huntington said.

Other restaurants such as Reverie: A Coffee Den, which is also frequented by numerous students and faculty members, have been hesitant about providing free wireless Internet in fear that this service would be exploited.

“We have given it some thought, but due to our limited seating we cannot afford to have individuals occupy our restaurant without ordering,” partial owner James DiStefono said.

Customers’ taking over advantage of the free Internet at Helios is one of the few downsides noted by Huntington.

“The only drawback we have is someone getting a $1.50 worth of coffee and then making one of our tables into a mobile office,” Huntington said. “It is an issue we deal with, but it hasn’t become an overwhelming problem.”

With Nomad constantly expanding and new hotspots being added every month, wireless Internet continues to become more a part of campus life. Many students say they have grown to appreciate the liberty and proficiency that the wireless provides.

“There is nothing like being able to climb into bed after a hard day and still having the freedom to surf the Web at cable speeds,” Slightom said.