Last year, the University of New Mexico Information Technology Services (ITS) department announced expansion of wireless internet services for parts of UNM’s main campus. Today, wireless Internet access is now available to more than 65 percent of the UNM main campus, as part of the UNM Wireless Expansion Project.
“A year ago, the UNM student body chose campus-wide wireless as its legislative initiative for that coming year,” said Paula Loendorf, director of IT Services for ITS Communications Network Services. “UNM was fortunate to receive a contribution of $750,000 from the New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union (NMEFCU) to begin installation of wireless coverage on campus.”
In 2007, nearly 2,000 students responded to an online survey ITS conducted to determine their priority areas for wireless internet service. The staff at ITS then split the campus into clusters and developed a plan to provide access to those areas students said were most important to them.
This access is intended to provide wireless Internet coverage for outdoor areas around campus, as well as building lobbies and conference rooms. However this does not necessarily provide total wireless coverage to each building.
Prior to the infusion of funding from the NMEFCU, a wireless standard was developed by network administrators from around campus. This standard is based on industry best practices and is designed to ensure that IT resources are effectively managed in support of the University’s mission. The intent of the standard is to protect computers and other electronic devices connected to the UNM network; to provide a consistent experience for wireless users and to reduce interference throughout the air space on campus.
ITS staff, including students hired to assist with the ambitious project, are working with IT agents from various divisions in each of the six clusters to ensure a smooth implementation of the new wireless system. The wireless expansion project, which will continue through August 2009, will be using the new UNM Wireless Standards/.
This is the most recent achievement in ITS’s plan to provide wireless internet access to students across main campus.
“Research has shown that technology is a factor in a student’s decision of what college they attend,” Loendorf added. “If UNM does not meet the expectations of these 18-25 year-olds, they will go elsewhere.”
For more information, please visit: ITS Wireless.
Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; e-mail: bhendrix@unm.edu