This project is developing a laboratory to support electronic communications. Rapid growth in the telecommunications equipment and software/network integration industrial segments suggests that there is a dramatic increase in the demand for workers knowledgeable in concepts such as fiber optics and networking, experienced with the architecture found in modern communications hardware, and familiar with electronics simulation software. Reallocation of existing computers to the first year electronics lab is supporting experiments using simulation software. The computer repair test laboratory is supporting experiments in copper and fiber optic networking. In conjunction with the lab improvements, new lecture materials are being introduced to supplement the students' understanding of wireless communications topics, such as radio, satellite, cable, and cell phone operations. The improvement project will produce students significantly better prepared to pursue careers in the rapidly growing telecommunications industry, and/or continue their studies at the four-year college and university level.
