Strengthening URI’s Technology Infrastructure
Over the past several years, the University of Rhode Island’s Network Operations and Services team has been working to modernize and strengthen the University’s network infrastructure. This summer marked an important milestone as several major initiatives reached completion or made significant progress.
Campus-Wide Wireless Modernization
One of the largest accomplishments has been the replacement of approximately 4,000 wireless access points across the University over the past three years.
The project is now nearing completion, providing URI students, faculty, staff, and visitors with a modern wireless infrastructure designed to deliver improved performance, reliability, capacity, and security.
This large-scale modernization effort required extensive planning, coordination, and installation across academic, administrative, residential, and other campus facilities.
Network Device Software Upgrades
The team also completed software upgrades on nearly 500 network devices across the University.
Keeping network infrastructure current is critical to maintaining a secure, reliable, and resilient environment while ensuring that the University can take advantage of improvements in performance and functionality.
Supporting Campus Construction and Growth
In addition to maintaining and modernizing existing infrastructure, Network Operations and Services has played an important role in supporting URI’s ongoing campus construction projects.
The team has designed new fiber-optic connectivity and worked to reroute existing fiber infrastructure at the Narragansett Bay Campus to accommodate new construction and ensure that network services remain available as the campus continues to grow.
The team is also actively involved in technology infrastructure planning and design supporting the new residence hall projects and Graduate Village. These efforts ensure that network connectivity and technology infrastructure are incorporated into new buildings from the beginning, rather than added after construction is complete.
Looking Ahead
Together, these projects represent a significant investment in the University’s technology infrastructure. The work completed over the summer builds on several years of modernization efforts while preparing URI’s network for continued growth and the evolving technology needs of the campus community.
“The accomplishments completed this summer are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our Network Operations and Services team. From modernizing our wireless network to supporting major campus construction projects, their work ensures the University community has the reliable technology infrastructure needed to succeed.”
— Mark Fester, Associate Director for Network Operations and Services