Friday 24 May 2019 12:02am
Using Wi-Fi is a part of everyday life – including for students – and most people are getting more devices that use it.
Information Technology Services Director Mike Harte.
Sky-rocketing use of the University’s wireless network is now peaking at almost 49,000 electronic devices simultaneously – in sharp contrast to about 26,000 only two years ago, Information Technology Services Director Mike Harte says.
Use has even soared 46 per cent from only a year ago, when about 33,000 devices were connecting at the same time.
Driving the rapidly growing use are a rise in the number of devices capable of connecting to Wi-Fi and the expansion of the University of Otago’s wireless network, he says.
Another 1,040 access points have been added to the network during the past year 12 months – a 29 per cent increase – taking the total number of access points across all the campuses to 4681, in mid-April.
That work has included finishing installing wireless in all Dunedin’s college accommodation for students in time for the start of semester one.
Now, the focus has shifted to College of Education buildings and planning is underway for University buildings along Castle St, Mr Harte says.
While adding more access points provides Wi-Fi where none existed before and enhances service in some spots, it also dramatically increases the wireless network’s size and complexity.
So, staff working in Information Technology Services (ITS) are constantly tuning the network infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve coverage, while also reducing interference from Bluetooth devices, some cordless phones, and even from leaky microwave ovens.
They also upgrade equipment connecting the University network to the Internet – to enhance security and boost the amount of data that can be transmitted. The bandwidth has recently been increased to meet rising demand from students, staff and visitors.
ITS’s overall aim with the network is to:
- Upgrade network infrastructure to increase speed, reliability and reduce risk.
- Install wireless in all buildings – where practical – across all the University’s campuses; (Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Invercargill and Auckland)