Phase 2 of Wired and Wireless Network Improvements Begin in May 2023

We are pleased to announce that Phase 2 of the upgrade to the wired and wireless networks on the Columbia campus is scheduled to begin in May 2023. In 2020, wireless network capabilities were upgraded in all residence halls on the Columbia campus. Phase 2 of the project will focus on improving wired and wireless internet access and edge switching in select classroom and administration buildings.

Upgrades began in mid-May 2023. The first sequence of selected buildings can be found below. Buildings were selected based on the availability of on-hand equipment, work sequencing, and how they correspond to the required updates in each building. Please note that when work is performed in your building, you will experience an outage of both the wired and wireless networks, as well as telephone service. Please plan accordingly. Once the work is completed, you should see an improved experience using both the wired and wireless networks.

Building Name	Upgrade Date
514 Main	Completed 3/15/23
LeConte College	Completed 5/16/23
Sloan College	Completed 5/17/23
Davis College	Completed 5/18/23
Petigru College	Completed 5/19/23
McCutchen House	Completed 5/22/23
Flinn Hall	Completed 5/23/23
South Caroliniana Library	Completed 5/23/23
1321 Pendleton Street	Completed 6/20/23
Longstreet Annex	Completed 6/21/23
Callcott	Completed 6/23/23
Currell	Completed 6/23/23
819 Barnwell Street	Completed 6/26/23
McMaster College	Completed 6/26/23
Melton Observatory	Completed 6/26/23
Barringer House	Completed 6/27/23
Child Development & Research Center	Completed 6/28/23
Benson College	Completed 6/28/23
Copenvaver Band Hall/Dance Facility	Completed 6/29/23
1338 Pickens Street	Completed 6/30/23
Booker T. Washington	Completed  7/12/23
Biomass Building	Completed 7/20/23
Science and Technology Building	Completed 7/20/23
Blatt Physical Education	Completed 7/26/23
Longstreet Theatre	Completed 7/26/23
Anderson Academic Enrichment Center	Completed 7/26/23
Colloquium	Completed
School of Music	Completed
Humanities Classroom Building	Completed
John Palms Graduate Research Center	Completed
Alumni Center	Awaiting validation
Swearingen Engineering Center	Completed
Public Health Research Center	Completed
Barnwell College	Completed
300 Main Street	Completed
CEC - Innovation Center Building	Awaiting validation
1000 Catawba Street (SCRA)	Completed

* Dates with an astrick are tentative and in the process of being confirmed with building and IT contacts.  

---

Phase 1 of Wired and Wireless Network Improvements on the Columbia Campus: Completed 2020

A long-range plan in in process to improve the overall wireless infrastructure across the Columbia campus.

In 2020, wireless network capabilities were upgraded in all residence halls on the Columbia campus. Phase 2 of the project will focus on stabalizing the network by replacing existing APs and edge switches across 85 classroom and academic buildings, providing faster and more reliable connections.

By the end of 2023, both wireless and wired networks in the upgraded buildings will be far more resilient. Network outages related to failing hardware in these buildings are expected to drop by 90 percent or more.

While the project began in 2020, upgrades will not be completed until the end of 2023 due to a variety of factors, including supply chain issues and shipping delays. Once all materials arrive on campus, a schedule must be developed to enter classroom buildings without further interrupting academic time. Since most classrooms on campus are utilized constantly through the week, it will take time to reach them all.  

In the meantime, technicians will continue to troubleshoot the outdated network that is currently on the Columbia campus. Many routers and controllers are more than 12 years-old, while access points are 6–7 years-old. This outdated equipment causes repeated outages, slow connectivity, and disconnects. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to contact the IT Service Desk at 803-777-1800 to report issues. It is helpful to identify your exact location on campus, including the building, floor, and room number, if applicable. 

 

FAQs re: Wi-Fi on the Columbia Campus

 

Connect to the Wired Network

Use high-speed ethernet connections in residence halls, academic buildings, and computer labs. Instructions can be found in the IT Knowledge Base.