AUSTIN, TX — (Marketwired) — 11/20/13 — An explosion of digital devices is straining internet bandwidth and challenging the capabilities of campus networks, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. In its October 14 article headlined “Explosion of Wireless Devices Strains Campus Networks,” the Chronicle reported on the rapid rise of student-owned digital devices and the phenomenon known as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).
The article explored how BYOD may be contributing to schools- growing vulnerability to rising infrastructure costs and security concerns, in addition to a host of other potential problems. It quoted several school CIOs, including Bruce Maas, the chief information officer at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Maas recalled how one student with 18 devices used a wireless router which not only conflicted with the school-s wireless system, but also with individual routers owned by other students.
“Across the country, device proliferation has further complicated the management, upgrading and maintenance of campus and residential networks,” said Chuck Brady, Apogee-s CEO. “As the largest residential networking provider for higher education, Apogee understands the unprecedented connectivity challenges that confront higher education administrators. We are proud that our many university partners have found success in partnering with Apogee, and today provide superior wall-to-wall wireless coverage and fast, reliable network access for their technologically savvy students, faculty and staff.”
Below are Apogee-s four top tips for administrators tasked with managing the residential network:
According to many CIOs, up to 80 percent of their network staff time is spent on BYOD and ResNet issues. This is due in part to the unprecedented growth in wireless demands that have left many schools unprepared to scale up internet bandwidth and frustrating many students and faculty members. The key to getting ahead of demand is to develop a strategic ResNet plan that anticipates connectivity needs while successfully budgeting for and incorporating regular infrastructure refresh cycles.
Working with the right strategic provider can provide predictable budgets and roadmaps, free up time and manpower to focus on high-value activities and keep the institution competitive and relevant.
Many residential halls only provide wireless access in common areas, and not in every residential room. This issue has been the source of student complaints, as virtually every incoming student now has high-speed wireless connectivity at home and demands the same or better level of connectivity from their schools.
From administrative functions to academic issues to residence living, pent-up demand for and challenges in wireless connectivity now impact all areas of university life. The schools that have successfully anticipated and are today meeting the wireless devices explosion demands are successful largely because their business, IT and housing officers have developed a collaborative culture built on transparency, patience and understanding.
To read the Chronicle of Higher Education article referenced in this press release, click here: . For a complimentary consultation on how your school can successfully manage this wireless devices explosion, call Apogee at 512-478-8858.
Apogee is the largest, most innovative provider of on-campus residential networks (ResNet) in higher education. Partnering with Apogee for ResNet services allows colleges and universities to enhance their network infrastructure while offloading the growing volume of administrative responsibilities associated with managing a student network. This partnership allows IT to focus on the mission-critical tasks of the university, such as growing the enterprise network and facilitating the development and use of e-learning tools and content. For more information about Apogee and its services, visit
You must be logged in to post a comment Login