WiFi - Wireless Network

Wi-Fi Upgrade:

Over the summer Fairmont State University’s Information Technology Department began replacing the campus wireless network – moving from 802.11N to 802.11AC. 

What does that mean? 

It means speed and performance.  The new network is two to three times faster than the old Wi-Fi and will support more users per access point.

Currently, this new network is installed in the new University Terrace and the Pierpont Advanced Technology Center in South Fairmont.  It is being rolled out across campus and we want to let you know what to expect. 

The old Wi-Fi network had names, or SSID’s, like Campus_Guest or Campus_User.  The new Wi-Fi network has names like Guest, Student or Staff. 

It is important to know that you must set up your devices for both networks if you want to use them across the entire campus during this transition.  The Tech Commons, located in the Library, can help you configure your devices right now so that you will be ready.

Internet Upgrade:

Have you ever noticed the Internet on campus slows down in the evenings?  This is caused by the increasing demand on Internet caused by streaming media as people access Netflix, Hulu, or others.

We are currently at the capacity of our Internet systems but are diligently working on upgrading it.  Sometime this week/weekend we will be installing an Internet bandwidth optimization tool that will hopefully solve the current slowdown being experienced.

But that’s not all we are doing.  Over the winter holiday, we will be upgrading the network circuit that delivers bandwidth to us.  After this is done, we can drastically increase bandwidth to meet the campus need.