Transforming Connectivity: The Daley Library Project
The Daley Library at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has long stood as a hub for teaching, learning, research, and collaboration. However, its network infrastructure, dating back to the building's original construction, required significant modernization to meet the demands of today’s digital era. Three years ago, a campus-wide assessment ranked the Daley Library as the top priority for upgrading legacy network systems. This marked the beginning of an ambitious and transformative journey under UIC’s Technology Solutions Network Modernization Initiatives.
A Multi-Year Upgrade with a Vision Heading link
Work began in February 2022, culminating in over two and a half years of meticulous planning, construction, and collaboration. The Daley Library became the largest and most complex project tackled under the Networks Modernization project of the UIC Forward Initiative. Its success is a testament to the strategic vision and cooperation among multiple teams, including telecom technicians, wireless and wired network engineers, and library staff, all of whom played vital roles.
Quote1 Heading link
Technology Solutions engineers developed a plan to consolidate network closets that were literally enclosures mounted on building columns and electrical rooms that had zero room for growth.
| Electrical and Electronic Instruments and Controls Mechanic Foreman
A Comprehensive Infrastructure Overhaul Heading link
The modernization of the Daley Library focused on addressing the building’s outdated infrastructure, which included an array of makeshift network closets and cabling systems accumulated over 40 years. A wholistic approach led to:
- Consolidating Network Closets: Fourteen legacy network closets, many of which were small enclosures on building columns or electrical rooms, were replaced by three state-of-the-art network rooms. These new spaces were constructed with upgraded power and grounding risers and new fiber-optic backbone feeds.
- Revamping Cable Pathways: Over 4,000 feet of modern cable trays were installed throughout the building, allowing for the removal of 2,000 feet of outdated raceways. This clean and scalable system supports current and future connectivity needs.
- Wireless and Wired Network Upgrades: The building now boasts 113 wireless access points, supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard. That’s an increase of over 40% compared with 80 access points previously installed. Wireless hardware and APs (access points) were upgraded for seamless connectivity, while wired connections saw a remarkable transformation. Backbone fiber upgrades increased speeds from 1 gig to 10 gig, with individual device connections now capable of gigabit speeds—100 times faster than some legacy connections.
- Data Drops and Connectivity Expansion: Technicians re-cabled over 465 data jacks, bringing the total number of network wired connections in the library to over 750.
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Upgrading our backbone fiber allowed speeds to increase to our new closets from 1 gig to 10 gig and all wired connections that were serving PC’s and other devices that once were as slow as 10 meg are now capable of Gigabit speeds. That’s 100x faster in some instances for users.
| Electrical and Electronic Instruments and Controls Mechanic Foreman
A Unified Effort Heading link
Collaboration was key to the project’s success. Library leadership facilitated essential real estate expansions for the new network closets, while staff coordinated access to spaces and scheduling. Technology Solutions engineers meticulously planned each phase, ensuring minimal disruption to the library’s operations. Together, their efforts totaled over 3,038 man-hours of dedicated work.
Results That Speak for Themselves Heading link
The upgrades have revolutionized the Daley Library’s connectivity, providing an infrastructure that supports high-speed internet, cutting-edge wireless capabilities, and robust wired connections. This transformation not only meets the current needs of UIC’s students and faculty but also positions the library for future advancements in technology.
The Daley Library project stands as a model of innovation, collaboration, and dedication. It reflects UIC’s commitment to fostering a state-of-the-art academic environment, ensuring that the university remains a leader in education and research in an increasingly digital world.