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.