Updated wireless service enables faster Internet
The University recently upgraded the technology that is used to run RUWireless and RUWireless_Secure in various buildings on campus in order to ensure effective operation.
Within the past two months, the University updated the Internet system in Hickman Hall and Loree Hall on Douglass campus, Beck Hall and Kilmer Library on Livingston campus, the Library of Science and Medicine on Busch campus and Alexander Library on the College Avenue campus, said Brian Luper, associate director of Central Systems and Services.
He said issues with connectivity in the past could be attributed to the need for the update, especially in buildings such as Hickman Hall, which was running the oldest version of hardware the University has.
“We expect that RUWireless will always need to adapt and improve as more devices rely on wireless technology. Our goal is to try to keep ahead of the demand and make the procedure to connect to RUWireless and RUWireless_Secure as simple as possible,” he said.
Chris Bradshaw, a School of Arts and Sciences junior, said upgrades will improve students’ educational experience and should be considered important and necessary.
“Progression is always [welcome],” he said. “I think out-of-date hardware not only becomes an inconvenience to students but [for] professors as well. Managing hardware effectively to keep up with updates … should definitely be a priority. I’m happy it is getting much needed attention and resolve.”
Connectivity issues are also the result of the large amount of students using the network in the same place at the same time. Luper said the University hopes to resolve this problem by providing more hardware in spaces with high student volume.
He said the upgrades installed in Alexander Library this past December have made noticeable improvements during exam weeks, when a higher influx of students try to access the network in one place.
“We definitely see feedback from the libraries and the student centers [during finals week] and we’ve worked closely with the libraries over the semester to improve the coverage in those facilities,” he said. “We think the finals period worked better in those locations.”
The department is also working on completing a project in the residence halls that would allow students to connect to the Internet anywhere in the dormitories, Luper said.
“Between the last 12 and 18 months [housing has] asked us to extend the coverage to not only the lounges but to all the bedrooms and every other common space,” he said. “They want wall-to-wall coverage and we’ve been working with them to make that happen.”
Bradshaw said the extension would be convenient for students both academically and recreationally.
“This enhances the college experience and capitalizes academic opportunity,” he said. “Students who are in housing with extended internet service have the privilege of studying more privately and effectively thus helping students gain better grades … it also serves as a social entertainment enhancement.”
Salena Dioubate, a School of Arts And Sciences senior, said providing an alternative place for students to study will help students who have no other place to go, especially during times when designated study spaces are closed.
“It makes all the difference to have it in your actual dorm room,” she said. “I think it’s a huge benefit with students, especially when the lounges are packed and you need somewhere to study late at night.”
Luper said the department goes through multiple measures to get feedback from the students, faculty and staff regarding any issues with the network and works to resolve those issues accordingly.
“We try to put ourselves out there as much as possible, it helps,” he said. “Any feedback we get goes to our administration with requests for resources to improve the network or just understand what the common user problems are.”
