IET upgrading about one-fourth of its wireless access points

During the first few months of 2015, Information and Educational Technology is replacing about 700 wireless access points (APs) with newer models, at various locations that include the Student Community Center and Memorial Union.

The new APs are higher capacity models that will strengthen Internet access for mobile devices on campus, and set the stage for future network improvements.

IET's Communications Resources unit takes care of more than 3,000 APs, which provide wireless network access in more than 200 campus buildings. The campus expects demand for wireless connections to keep growing, as UC Davis enrolls more students and as individuals add more devices to the network.

The next time you attend a class or meeting on campus, notice how many people are using a tablet or smartphone, as well as a laptop. The network has to meet the demand for wireless connections with high reliability. The APs have become part of the essential infrastructure of the 21st century campus.

In telecom jargon, the new APs are Aruba 215s. IET-Communications Resources Director Mark Redican said the campus is replacing 105s, 125s, and "a few little ones still in use," such as 85s and 70s. Generally, the lower the number, the less capacity the AP has.