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iPad Banned from Several American Universities Due to Security Concerns

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A Growing Number of Colleges and Universities Are Banning the iPad Due to Incompatibility Issues with Their Wireless Networks

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, three high-profile American universities – Cornell University, Princeton University, and George Washington University – have banned the iPad from their campuses. The decision to ban the device is not due to a lack of enthusiasm for Apple’s products or an attempt to unfairly single out the iPad, but rather because it is incompatible with certain security features of their wireless networks.

The Issue at Hand: Incompatibility with Wireless Networks

Cornell University and George Washington University have both cited the iPad as a "security risk" due to its inability to work seamlessly with their network’s security protocols. This incompatibility issue prevents students from using their iPads on campus, making it difficult for them to access online resources, participate in classes, or complete assignments.

On the other hand, Cornell University has expressed concerns about the iPad’s bandwidth usage, which they believe is excessive and can slow down the entire network. While this may seem like a minor issue, it highlights the challenges that universities face when trying to accommodate the increasing number of mobile devices on campus.

The Struggle to Accommodate Mobile Devices

The ban on the iPad is not an isolated incident. Many colleges and universities have struggled to keep up with the demands of their students’ growing reliance on mobile devices. As our own Scott Merrill, from the Ohio State University IT department, notes, "people need to understand that the IT departments in many schools are run on shoestring budgets." These departments often struggle to purchase equipment that can handle the sudden surge in demand caused by popular devices like the iPad.

A Brief History of Apple’s Products and College Campuses

The ban on the iPad is not the first time that Apple’s products have faced challenges on college campuses. In 2007, Duke University experienced difficulties when students began using iPhones to connect to their wireless network. The sudden influx of devices overwhelmed the university’s network, leading to connectivity issues.

As Merrill notes, "it’s not as easy as flipping a light switch." Universities must carefully plan and budget for the increasing number of mobile devices on campus, taking into account factors such as bandwidth usage, security protocols, and equipment upgrades.

The Evolution of Mobile Devices

In just a few years, the number of Wi-Fi devices owned by students has skyrocketed. Gone are the days when one laptop was enough; today’s students often carry multiple devices with them at all times, including netbooks, iPhones, Zune HDs, Nintendo DSs, and Sony PSPs.

Conclusion

The ban on the iPad on some American university campuses is not a reflection of Apple’s products or their popularity among students. Rather, it highlights the challenges that universities face when trying to accommodate the increasing number of mobile devices on campus. By understanding these issues and working together with technology companies like Apple, we can create more inclusive and accessible learning environments for all.

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