University Campuses Face Data Tsunami, Need to Expand Infrastructure Capacity
ExteNet Systems helps universities deliver access to campus-wide wireless coverage that provides service seamlessly between indoor and outdoor use. The university’s faculty, students and visitors benefit from an ExetNet distributed network for use by wireless carriers.
Landline service is disappearing while smartphones dominate campus life and use of data and video is exploding. ExteNet’s network infrastructure for the wireless industry can immediately expand safety for students, staff and faculty by improving alert and emergency messaging applications. Distributed networks also work well for stadium coverage—where peak capacity is required on game days. The network infrastructure also is flexible and scalable for the future to accommodate e-education.
Utilizing existing utility infrastructure such as streetlights, the distributed network equipment blends in with the current campus environment. Using a consultative approach to ensure understanding of the university’s business objectives, ExteNet provides a completely outsourced solution. ExteNet develops the design and handles permitting, construction, operations and maintenance. University personnel are not required to support the network.
University of Michigan Gets an “A” in Mobile Connectivity
University students are big consumers of mobile technology. Ninety-seven percent of college students in the United States own a cell phone, and 79 percent own some type of mobile computer, according to research by Eduventures, a Boston-based consulting firm focused on higher education trends.
When the University of Michigan (U-M) decided to move forward with a multi-campus wireless network to provide robust mobile connectivity, they turned to ExteNet Systems. ExteNet was selected to design, build and operate a distributed network for use by multiple carriers at U-M.
The distributed network is designed to provide students, faculty, staff and guests access to seamless wireless coverage throughout the campus.
The multi-year project will eventually provide improved coverage on all three campuses -- Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn, covering in excess of 200 buildings, including dorms, classrooms, administrative offices, the stadium, arenas and the medical complex. At Michigan Stadium, fans whose carrier is using the distributed network can make calls, tweet, update their status on Facebook and even video chat with friends who aren’t at the game.
Campus aesthetics are minimally impacted by installation of the distributed network infrastructure due to the small size of equipment used.
This type of connectivity is a must for a highly populated university campus like U-M, where mobile network demand reaches extremely high usage levels, particularly on game days, and connectivity to 911 is critical due to concern for student safety.