911³Ô¹Ï

Kailash Srinivasan

Boosting wired speeds

Did you know that some of our cables were installed in the 1980s? Up to 40% of our network cabling is outdated, causing performance issues and lag and impacting activities that require high-speed connections like video conferencing on Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Through the network upgrade program, 911³Ô¹Ï IT will replace nearly 5,000 network cables to boost wired speeds from the current 10 to 1000Mbps—on par with today's fastest internet service to enhance the community's learning, teaching and working experience.     

Expanding wireless coverage

Being situated on a mountain comes with picturesque views, but we've all experienced those frustrating dead zones where our Wi-Fi signal disappears. The network upgrade will expand wireless coverage to areas lacking connectivity, including teaching spaces, study areas, offices, Convocation Mall, the Rec Centre, and outdoor areas, by adding 300 new wireless access points. This will allow students, staff, and faculty to stay connected wherever they are on campus.  

Expanded wireless will also enable emergency services access in more locations and reduce security risks from unauthorized wireless devices.

Supporting the future

The network upgrade will allow 911³Ô¹Ï's phone systems to support modern technologies, such as . This will allow the community to make voice calls using a broadband internet connection instead of traditional desk (or analog) phone lines, offering benefits like improved call quality and cost savings.

911³Ô¹Ï IT will complete these installations and upgrades in phases while minimizing the impact on students, faculty and staff. Phase 1 was completed in March 2024, and the program has moved on to Phase 2. This phase includes expanding the Wi-Fi network in key areas like the library, Shrum Sciences, Lorne Davies Gym, and Facilities Services, with an estimated completion by mid-2026. 911³Ô¹Ï IT will provide a timeline for subsequent phases.

This initiative is aligned with the 911³Ô¹Ï IT Plan and the What’s Next: The 911³Ô¹Ï Strategy to modernize the university's IT systems and infrastructure, creating a more consistent, campus-wide digital experience and transforming how we learn, work, and connect at the university. 

Stay tuned for more details about these and upcoming upgrades.