Major improvements made to wireless networks in Pioneer Heights

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  • July 17, 2015

Over the last several months, the Information Technology Services (ITS) Network Operations group at ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ implemented upgrades to the wireless network in the campus’ Pioneer Heights student housing facilities. According to Thomas Dixon, director of network infrastructure, "Some upgrades were necessary to support the continually increasing number of mobile devices used by student residents, while other upgrades were made to increase the usability of the wireless network."

The upgraded Pioneer Heights wireless network now supports connection speeds up to three times faster than the previous network. This was accomplished through the installation of next-generation Wi-Fi access points. With this next-generation Wi-Fi technology, student residents are able to connect more devices to the wireless network.

There has also been an expansion of the areas covered by the wireless network, allowing student residents to study, work and play in more areas of the Pioneer Heights residential complex. These upgrades were part of a larger effort to upgrade wireless networks throughout all of the university, including the Concord Campus and Oakland Center.

As well, a separate network for multimedia devices such as streaming devices, gaming consoles and Smart TVs was installed in the Pioneer Heights residential complex, to help expand the bandwidth needed to operate these devices. This is a feature that student residents have expressed interest in, and that the university has now been able to provide.

“The student residents have commented on the significant improvements to the wireless network,” Assistant Director of Housing Operations David Wildy said. “Over the past year, the authentication process has improved, the overall coverage to the area has been strengthened, and the installation of the multimedia network has greatly increased the satisfaction of our student residents and increased the overall user experience immensely.”