Information & Technology Services

PLU Wireless Network Project - Summer 2008

07-11-2008

The I&TS Systems & Communications Team has been working on a next-generation wireless architecture for the campus since late Summer 2007. Rapid deployment of the network should now occur following this investment and the addition of a network engineer to the team later this summer.

Our wireless network currently consists of approximately 60 standalone Wireless Access Points (WAPs) that must be individually configured and controlled. Extensive surveying and testing has typically been required to deploy these units, resulting in hotspot-style wireless coverage in certain regions within buildings (classrooms, meeting rooms, etc.) rather than building-wide service.

Beginning with the University Center renovation and drawing in part on the Technology Initiative Fund, we have begun rolling out a new thin-AP system. This system relies on a central controller to automatically configure each WAP and to establish an optimal balance of settings among multiple WAPs within a service area.

As of this writing we expect the following regions of the new wireless network to be installed by the end of this summer. Current deployment status is indicated for each region.
> University Center = fully deployed
> Columbia Center = fully deployed
> Garfield Book Company = 100% designed & partially deployed
> Mortvedt Library = 90% designed, WAPs configured for deployment
> Hauge Administration = 50% designed, WAPs configured for
deployment
> Rieke Science Center = 10% designed, some WAPS configured
> Hinderlie = 90% designed (testing required), deployment as part
of renovation construction