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The introduction of a cohesive University wireless network created the need for the Office of Information Technology (OIT) to revisit its current network-funding model and policies. The network-funding model is based on the cumulative costs that are needed to operate the network. The total number of network connections, from which a monthly rate per connection is derived, divides these costs. The temptation for departments to remove single user network connections for the purposes of reducing costs should be carefully weighed with these considerations.
In reality, the total cost of the wired network is not reduced by the introduction of wireless technologies. Wireless networking services are dependent on the same infrastructure necessary to deliver wired networking services such as conduit, wiring, and network switch ports.
Where there is a temporary need for network access, point-to-point wireless service may be deployed on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of OIT. In cases where wired access is unavailable and end users do not require high bandwidth network applications, it is possible to set up wireless-only net access.
Due to the expense of creating and maintaining a ubiquitous University wireless network, OIT plans to enhance wireless network coverage on campus by partnering with University departments.
Customers provide the pathway and all associated hardware (e.g., the access point), Power over the Ethernet port, the Ethernet port, and installation charges. OIT provides the network design and planning; facilitates the purchase of the access point; helps coordinate the project; and provides security, ongoing support, and stewardship of associated network electronics.
OIT plans to add wire or junction boxes in any commonly occupied space on campus where conduit and wiring are being installed for voice and data services, as long as doing so does not adversely affect customers. Additionally, OIT plans to add wire or junction boxes wherever it is in OIT's best interests to augment wiring for future wireless access point placements.
OIT reserves the right to use its own discretion when adding additional wire or junction boxes to expand wireless coverage for future use, and absorb the cost of the wire or junction boxes into the U of M Wireless budget. OIT plans to install additional AP's to enhance wireless coverage when funding becomes available.
The University Wireless Network has grown over the years through a co-op implementation by many Departments that had need for service. During the Wireless Upgrade, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) is replacing all Access Points (APs) on campus regardless of type, age or original ownership. We are standardizing on a single wireless platform in order to offer robust and reliable roaming across the Twin Cities and Rochester campuses, Research Outreach Centers, and Extension Services locations. The management, service, and support of the new cohesive wireless implementation are also part of OIT’s responsibility to provide the University with communication services expected by members of a top Research Institution. OIT ownership of wireless infrastructure is critical for standardization of wireless services to provide security, roaming, voice, and additional wireless services in the future.
Any new Access Point (AP) installation must be performed by OIT in order to ensure that maximum service coverage is achieved, and may be requested on our Order Services Form. The U of M wireless network uses a Radio Frequency (RF) Planning Appliance, which calculates placement based upon building materials, existing wireless technology, and population density. OIT’s Wiring Standards are updated to assure standard AP wiring and mounting is performed.
OIT Wiring Standards require all new University building construction and renovations to install full coverage wireless service. University construction initiatives may contact an OIT representative through our Order Services Form for wireless project estimates.
The U of M wireless system is able to track, isolate, and disable service to APs that do not belong to the UofM network. In order to assure U of M wireless standards are met and future initiatives are possible, OIT disables Internet access for connections to unauthorized wireless APs on the University network.
