Building Wireless Modernization Project

Reliable wireless connectivity plays a critical role in the pursuit of academic and operational excellence.

In April, the Building Wireless Modernization project launched to upgrade the university's wireless service and its infrastructure. This project represents significant progress in our continuous efforts to enhance the wireless experience at the U of A. Investments in our wireless networks are more than just technological upgrades; they are an investment in the U of A’s future.

What can we expect?

Over the coming years, the U of A will modernize its wireless infrastructure through a targeted, building-by-building approach to ensure a more robust and reliable service across the university. The initiative will begin with an assessment and subsequent enhancements on a per-building basis. This targeted approach will allow us to address the unique needs of each building.While the upgrading work is occurring, no service disruptions are expected to occur. Once complete, an increased number of users will be able to utilize the wireless network in the same area without experiencing service degradation.

Project Timeline

August 2024
Completed: 2024-08-02
Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research
Completed: 2024-08-27

Augustana
Central Academic Building (CAB)
Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science (CCIS) 1
CCIS 2
CCIS North Lecture Theater (NLT)
ECHA
Earth Sciences Building (ESB)
Tory Lecture Theater

October 2024
Completed: 2024-10-25
Cameron Library
January 2025
Completed: 2025-01-15
Earth Sciences Building Theater
School of Business
Cameron Library
Rutherford Library North
March 2025
Completed: 2025-03-31

General Services Building (GSB)
Education North Building
Education South Building
Rutherford Library South
Corbett Hall

May 2025
Completed: 2025-05-30
Tory (Tower)
AgFor Building
August 2025
Completed: 2025-08-29
HMRC Building
Law Building
Industrial Design Studio (IDS) Building
Athabasca Hall Building
Pembina Building
Van Vliet East Building
Assiniboia Hall Building
Foote Field Building
November 2025
Completed: 2025-11-29
Human Ecology Building
Triffo Hall Building
DICE Building
LiKaShing Building
Chemistry East Building
Engineering (MECE) Building
Van Vliet West (includes Clare Drake, not Pavillion)
February 2026
Target completion: 2026-02-27
Engineering (ETLC) Building
Timms Centre Building
Ledcor-Zeidler Centre (AKA Zeidler) Building
Engineering (ECERF/ECE) Building
Engineering (NREF) Building
Computer Science Building
University Hall Building

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this project necessary?

Over time, technical infrastructure accumulates technical debt, meaning that older systems may become less efficient and more prone to issues. The Building Wireless Modernization Project addresses this debt by upgrading our wireless networks to meet current and future demands, thereby ensuring a seamless and productive environment for all university activities.

By proactively addressing these improvements, we are setting the stage for advanced research capabilities, enriched learning experiences and a more connected university community.

How will this project affect me?

The project team understands that your usage of wireless is important and is working diligently so you do not experience any disruptions or changes in wireless service availability in specific buildings as they update the service.

Will there be any downtime?

The update to the wireless service should not experience any downtime.

Is there anything users need to do on their devices?

The update will be seamless for users. No changes are necessary for users.

Who is leading the Building Wireless Modernization Project?

The project is a collaborative effort between Facilities & Operations and Information Services & Technology (IST). This team is dedicated to ensuring the project meets its goals, while minimizing disruption to daily activities.