To the Editors:

This is an open letter to Oberlin students about the performance of the College’s residential data network. CIT is very much aware of the current inadequate performance of the residential hall data network (RESNET) and we are aggressively investigating the exact nature of the problems and the methods to a proper solution. We’ve recently held several internal meetings on this subject, we are collecting information from our resident computer coordinators (RCC’s), and we have initiated plans to accurately measure RESNET performance. We have also contacted our vendors, our Internet service provider (OARNET) and other external experts to help find a solution.

It has turned out to be a very troubling dilemma. Although there have been many, many complaints, we have also heard from students who say that their network connections are working acceptably. The reports are widely variable, and it’s pretty clear that more than one factor is involved.

Please know that we are quite troubled by this situation and we are working hard to fix it. We will, within reason, spend whatever resources we must to make RESNET functional.

Please bear with us. You can send me e-mail about this problem at john.bucher@oberlin.edu. The more details that you can supply, the better (i.e. time, location, type of computer, operating system, what you were trying to do, etc.).

–John E. Bucher
Director
Center for Information Technology