Kwantlen updates 'archaic' wireless internet

New $450,000 system promises better online experience for students.

By Samantha Lego
[contributor]

Kwantlen unveiled a new $450,000 upgraded wireless internet system Nov. 1, 2012.

Students have long complained that connecting to Kwantlen’s network and logging into the internet can be a hassle: failed logins and slow connections have been commonplace.

It was an outdated system according to Sukey Samra, assistant director of Kwantlen’s information and educational technology (IET) department.

“We’re replacing a very old, archaic wireless system that was put in place [seven years ago]… to something that’s more reliable,” said Samra.

The new and improved Internet system has 2.5 times more access points, jumping from 143 to 348 across campuses according to Jim Anderson, network administrator.

He says this will allow more users to connect to the system while also increasing the speed so that users can access websites in a timely manner without the stress of maintaining a secure connection.

According to Kwantlen’s website, the aim of the upgrade is to produce a stronger signal, ensuring all indoor areas of Kwantlen’s campuses have full wireless coverage. Dead zones will also be eliminated. Upgrades will also increase outdoor connectivity – although this is not an intentional aspect of the renovation.

“The plan is to have all our services that we want to have as part of this phase completed by the end of November,” said Samra.

A secure network is being introduced which will encrypt students’ data and, more importantly, remember individual sign-ins, explained Anderson.

Just like wireless networks at home, Kwantlen’s new system will remember your device and automatically log you in.

“Once you’ve signed in the first time, every time you come on campus, it’ll automatically sign itself in, noted Anderson.”

Also, by becoming a part of eduroam, Kwantlen has joined the ranks of other institutions such as UBC, UVic, SFU, Langara, VCC and many more across Canada and internationally.

The eduroam website described itself as a secure, global roaming access service created to enhance the research and education community.

What this means for Kwantlen students is, by the end of November, Kwantlen login credentials can be used to access the eduroam network at other participating universities and colleges across the Lower Mainland without having to obtain guest passes.

All that is needed when logging into eduroam is an authentic Kwantlen login. Attached to this is a realm name in order to identify the institution. i.e.: yourkwantlenlogin@kwantlen.ca.

Once these updates are in place, Kwantlen’s IET department will continue to revamp the university’s wireless in the coming years with a planned infrastructure upgrade, providing faster contact with the access points, and outdoor coverage of all the campuses, explained Samra.

All told, this upgrade will cost Kwantlen $450 000 to implement, but Samra believes it to be worth it.

“The proof will be in the pudding,” said Samra.