Wireless access expanded in services complex Published May 28, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Mark Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Every inch of the service complex has been changed, but one may not notice this expansion that affects every room, hallway and even the dining facility. This may not be seen is due of the invisible nature of the expansion itself; the wireless local area network has been expanded from the front lobby to the entire services complex including the dining facility, allowing guests to have access to the Internet anywhere in the complex. "The Air Force realizes that the tempo of the world requires people to remain informed and have access to information at their fingertips only the internet can provide that," said Mary McLean, manager of the Grissom Inn as she explained the need for the expansion. "It's no longer a world of waiting for the newspaper headlines; people want to be informed and have immediate access to world events." The service now provided at the complex is similar to what is provided at local area hotels, where many Reservists often stay during unit training assemblies. "Our servicemembers should be able to expect better service in our operation than any other operation," said Ms. McLean. "We strive to have our Air Force Inns not only meet the needs of our guests but to exceed them, and services such as wireless internet and in-house fitness centers are ways that we can provide better service for our guests." And, exceeding expectations, even when compared to other Air Force Inns, is exactly what is being done here at Grissom. "Rather than installing high speed internet like most of the other Air Force Inns, we have gone with state of the art wireless technology to provide the best possible service to our guests," explained Ms. McLean. "Our wireless service is totally separate from the base network and requires no codes to access though the service is limited to our lodging buildings." Despite the networks being separate, on-base internet usage policies still apply and security is still a concern. "Because the internet service is provided on an Air Force installation, the same ethical use of internet sites apply within our facilities," said the inn manager. "The wireless service we provide is not a secure network so people utilizing the service should still ensure that they have proper security measures on their personal computers." Ms. McLean also noted that along with the wireless expansion a new telephone switch was installed and new room telephone instruments were also brought in, which should provide better clarity for guests. The services complex will also be undergoing some more visible changes in the near future. "We will be undergoing a décor renovation to building 472 in the late summer, which will include all new draperies, mattress sets, bedspreads, carpet and lounge chairs," she said. "The Air Force strives to renovate all of our facilities regularly to provide the most comfort possible to our guests."
