I wanted to share an update on our campus network upgrade status. Our work continues to be on schedule. Last week, network engineers updated the network in Education, HFA, Behmler Hall, Big Cat Stadium, and Dining Hall.
This week, we will upgrade the networks in these buildings:
- Gay Hall
- North & South Annexes
- Transportation Garage
- RFC
- Heating Plant
- Camden Hall
Also, on Wednesday afternoon after 4:30, we will update the network in our campus server room. If you try to connect to the network on Wednesday afternoon after 4:30, you may experience delays while we switch over the network management. Please be patient and try again in a few minutes. You can find the updated network upgrade schedule on our network upgrade page.
You may sometimes hear me refer to the upgrade as providing a "faster, better, stronger" campus network. Here's what that means:
Faster
The new network is faster than our old campus network, over wireless and on traditional wired connections. I've spoken with the areas that have already been upgraded, and everyone agrees the new network is faster. Several of you also found me on campus to say how much you appreciate the faster network in the residence areas and other campus locations.
Better
With the new wireless, you will see UofM, UofM Secure, and UofM Guest as available wireless networks. Where you previously used umm-wireless to get online, please use UofM or UofM Secure. You can setup your laptop to use UofM Secure, so you no longer need to go through the extra step to login just to get on the wireless network. The Helpdesk can help you with questions, or you can view the online setup guides. Visitors to campus (parents and special guests) can connect directly to UofM Guest and use their email address to sign in. You will no longer need to sponsor a guest for free wireless access.
Stronger
We estimate wireless is about 20% stronger with the new network. That means you should be able to get online from more places across campus. After we've completed the network upgrade, we plan to run an analysis on the new wireless to identify places where we need to build in more wireless coverage.
We appreciate your help and continued support as we look forward to the rest of the network upgrade project. Thank you!
