Network Modernization Upgrade Completed for UIC Theatre and ETMSW Building
The University of Illinois Chicago’s Technology Solutions team has successfully completed a major network modernization upgrade for the Education, Theatre, Music, and Social Work (ETMSW) and UIC Theatre buildings. This milestone marks a significant enhancement in network infrastructure, delivering faster speeds, improved reliability, and expanded connectivity for students, faculty, and researchers.
Project Highlights
The multi-year Network Modernization project aimed to bring cutting-edge network capabilities to Education, Theatre, Music, and Social Work (ETMSW) and UIC Theater. The latest phase included substantial hardware upgrades, cabling improvements, and network expansion to ensure seamless connectivity throughout the buildings.
Key Highlights:
- Investment of Time & Expertise: Over 2,600 hours were dedicated to this initiative by engineers and support teams.
- Wireless Expansion: Installation of 38 new wireless access points and 77 upgraded access points, bringing the total to 115 and increasing wireless coverage by 30%.
- Faster Connections: Deployment of 25 new switches, boosting wired and wireless connection speeds up to 100 times faster for some users.
- Infrastructure Upgrades:
- 190 new data locations replaced outdated wiring and eliminated the need for mini switches.
- Floor-to-floor connectivity was upgraded to 10-gigabit bandwidth for improved data flow between floors.
- Power enhancements to support the new hardware.
- Installation of new network racks in 10 network closets for better infrastructure organization.
What This Means for the UIC Community
- Faster & More Reliable Connectivity: Students, faculty, and researchers can now experience full-building wireless coverage with higher speeds and increased capacity.
- Enhanced Wired Access: Improved wired network connections ensure seamless access for offices and labs.
- State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: This upgrade positions Education, Theatre, Music, and Social Work (ETMSW) and the UIC Theater among the top-tier network environments on campus.
Looking Ahead
With this modernization complete, Education, Theatre, Music, and Social Work (ETMSW) and UIC Theater now rank among the top-tier network-equipped buildings on campus. UIC students, faculty, and researchers can expect reliable, high-speed network access that supports their academic and professional needs.