New technology upgrades around campus

Published: December 06, 2022

This semester, Greenville University has recently improved its WI-FI connection and security measures across campus. A brand-new Wi-Fi system was installed by the Information Technology department, and additional cameras were added by Moyer Technologies.

Recognizing the importance of stable Wi-Fi

Over the past three years, the University has been committed to improving the underlying infrastructure required to have stable, reliable Wi-Fi.

Dynamic Campus/The IT Department realized that the old Wi-Fi system had reached the end of its useful life and was a few years old, indicating that it was time for an upgraded system with ongoing vendor support to meet the needs of a growing campus.

They received approval for the upgraded technology earlier this year, but due to global shipping delays at the time, GU did not receive them until a few weeks ago. As soon as the IT department received the equipment, they began implementing the new infrastructure.

There was quite a bit of preparation on the back end that was required. Steve McClure, GU network administrator, worked long hours preparing the environment and staging everything for the installation. Once everything was in place and the new wireless access points arrived, the Dynamic Campus began to roll out the new system.

New Wi-Fi installation

This project was the last piece of that puzzle that also included new network switches, firewalls, and a 10GB internet pipe.

The installation process involved several IT employees, but the physical installation required IT staff members to work in multiple teams. They began with residential spaces since those were the areas that struggled the most with the old system due to the density and the number of devices students bring to campus. They removed the old access points before mounting the new equipment to the ceiling in each location. Over the course of 14 workdays, the IT department replaced approximately 260 wireless access points in 50 buildings.

Rick Murphy, Director of GU IT Operations said: “We are hopeful this provides faster, more reliable Wi-Fi access to everyone on campus. The new WIFI-6 technology should provide better physical coverage. Additionally, this system provides our staff better tools for monitoring, managing, and supporting the network.”

Claudio Trevino, a GU student, said: “I like the new Wi-Fi. It works way better than the old one. It used to take forever to load, and there is no internet in my dorm at all. With the new Wi-Fi, I can now use my laptop and go through assignments much more smoothly. This is indeed a positive change!”

Changes to the existing camera system

First established in 2006, Moyer Technology provides a broad range of technical services with continual improvements on solutions and technologies. GU, in partnership with Moyer Technology, has been provided an IP based security camera system for technological upgrades.

A new camera system adds another layer of security to GU's campus. The previous camera infrastructure was a patchwork of various components. In the past, when cameras were added to buildings, they were not always compatible with the existing cameras and the overall software.

Shawn Foles, Director of GU Campus Safety shared: “The cameras will give everyone an even better idea of who is entering GU buildings so we can better ensure the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors.”

The biggest improvement is consistent systems

Foles remarks that having every camera on campus from the same company working on the same software is amazing.

By the end of the project, cameras will cover every entryway to all the buildings on campus. The biggest addition of cameras will occur in HJ Long and the Rec Center as a commitment to not only meeting the NCAA’s requirements for athletic camera systems but going beyond the bare minimum.

“My greatest hope is that everyone who comes to GU whether a student, visitor, or employee will view the updating of the camera system as part of the university's commitment to their safety,” Foles said.

Camera systems both deter crime and aid in the resolution of criminal cases. When combined with GU electronic access, it provides a more accurate accounting of who is in the buildings in the event of a crime or emergency, as well as creating another level of safety for GU's campus.

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Dynamic Campus is working to address any issues as students, faculty, and staff switch to the new system. If there is any issue regarding the Wi-Fi connection, students are encouraged to visit the Help Desk on the 1st Floor of the Library or send an email to itsupport@greenville.edu  to report a problem.

Find further information about Moyer Technology at http://www.moyertech.com/