ARCHIVED: Completed project: IU Wireless Upgrade

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Primary UITS contact: Ian Washburn

Completed: August 13, 2008

Description: This project will upgrade and expand the existing wireless networks on the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses of Indiana University. The existing "fat access point"-based wireless network on the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses will be replaced with a controller-based wireless network utilizing "thin" wireless access points. Approximately 1,800 fat access points will be replaced with thin access points. In addition, approximately 2,700 new thin access points will be added to the Bloomington campus. Along with the hardware replacement and expansion, we will be introducing WPA2 Enterprise authentication.

Outcome: Indiana University will have a modern controller-based wireless network, resulting in greater wireless coverage and seamless mobility. The additional wireless access points will result in complete wireless network coverage in the residence halls. The introduction of WPA2 Enterprise authentication will provide enhanced security and increased ease of use. In addition, the new wireless infrastructure will be positioned for an upgrade to 802.11n in 2009. When installed, 802.11n will provide greater performance for the wireless network.

Milestones and status:

  • April 1, 2008: Established wireless design, engineering, and planning group
  • April 8, 2008: Finalized Radius server software and hardware
  • April 14, 2008: Contract awarded to Hewlett Packard for wireless equipment
  • April 17, 2008: HP wireless equipment ordered
  • April 21, 2008: Press release and podcast
  • April 22, 2008: Established support team (ongoing)
  • April 24, 2008: Informatics, Geology, Psychology, Business, SPEA, and Wells Library selected as first buildings to upgrade
  • April 24, 2008: Preliminary meetings with Messaging, Identity Management, and Information Security
  • April 26, 2008: Equipment arrival begins
  • May 12, 2008: "IU Secure" Radius infrastructure established
  • May 13, 2008: Infrastructure switches and controllers installed and configured for mobility group 1
  • May 14, 2008: Began installation of new radio ports (thin access points) on IUB campus
  • May 29, 2008: Began installation of new equipment on IUPUI campus
Wireless Upgrade Progress
IUB Campus Upgrade Progress
IUPUI Campus Upgrade Progress

Comment process: Email Ed Furia.

Benefits:

  • Enhanced wireless security
  • Ease of use
  • Better support for handheld wireless devices
  • Increased coverage
  • Coverage in all residence halls
  • Seamless roaming
  • Enhanced management and monitoring of the wireless network
  • Smooth upgrade path to 802.11n

Related information: For the news release on this project, see Next-generation wireless coming to Indiana University campuses this fall.

Primary client: Faculty, students, staff, and guests

Client impact: As a result of this project, the "IU Secure" SSID will be introduced. The IU Wireless SSID and VPN will remain unchanged, minimizing the impact to clients. The IU community will be encouraged to start using the IU Secure SSID, which utilizes WPA2 Enterprise authentication.

Project team:

Planning, engineering and deployment:

  • Ed Furia
  • Matt Davy
  • Jason Mueller
  • Kirt Guinn
  • Jennifer Van Horn
  • Cheryl Kile
  • Dwight Hazen
  • Charlie Escue
  • James Dickerson
  • James Cormack

Planning, support, and implementation:

  • Ed Furia
  • Dennis Gillespie
  • James Kippenbrock
  • Chip Rondot
  • Marsha Egan
  • Karen Garrett
  • Shawn Vest
  • Brent Moberly
  • Brian Kanowsky
  • Ian Washburn
  • Greg Moore
  • Andrew Hostetler
  • Nicole Lyon
  • Laura McCain

Governance:

  • Dennis Cromwell
  • Dave Jent
  • Mike Lucas

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Last modified on 2018-01-18 16:05:03.