Wireless Network Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi has become ubiquitous over the years and is the primary method in which students, staff, and faculties access the Campus Network and IT services. In preparation for the anticipated increase in wireless bandwidth usage and the substantial growth of wireless devices brought to Campus, ITSC is starting a major upgrade of Wireless Network Infrastructure to Wi-Fi 6 with a primary focus on high user density areas. 

Wi-Fi 6 is the new wireless standard, also known as 802.11ax, it supports lower latency, increased capacity and overall efficiency, even in traditionally challenging high-density scenarios. New energy-saving mechanisms are also expected to improve battery life in Wi-Fi 6 wireless devices that support these new capabilities. The first phase of installing 270 Wi-Fi 6 Access Points in high density user areas such as the Academic Concourse, Atrium, Canteen, Computer Barns, Classrooms, Lecture Theatres and Library is currently under process and will be completed by Q4 2020.

​​​​​​​To determine the health of wireless networks and quickly identify client connectivity issues, a new Wireless Network Management System will be deployed. It combines Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning and the latest wireless technologies for performance analytics, real-time client troubleshooting, and proactive health assessments.  Wireless sensors, that function like a Wi-Fi client, will be installed in critical venues to validate wireless performances through performing network service and application tests.