Like many universities, the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is surrounded by evidence of life before cell phones, the Internet or Wi-Fi: its buildings. Constructed with concrete block, masonry, steel and copper, these engineering marvels of the 1970s and 80s were built without consideration for future RF signals and fiber optic cables. Their subterranean spaces and bunker-like constructions were ideal for quiet classrooms and high traffic. Who knew they would one day absorb and impede wireless signals?. | THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS USES DIGIVANCE ICS TO GIVE STUDENTS CAMPUS-WIDE Wireless access THE SITUATION CASE STUDY Like many universities the University of Central Arkansas UCA is surrounded by evidence of life before cell phones the Internet or Wi-Fi its buildings. Constructed with concrete block masonry steel and copper these engineering marvels of the 1970s and 80s were built without consideration for future RF signals and fiber optic cables. Their subterranean spaces and bunker-like constructions were ideal for quiet classrooms and high traffic. Who knew they would one day absorb and impede wireless signals UCA located near Little Rock AR is one of the most technologically advanced midsized universities in the country. Since 2004 it offers a leading-edge distributed computing environment with a state-of-the-art wireless network. With this campus network in place UCA officials wanted to leverage their technology investment by providing anytime anywhere coverage for students faculty and staff members. If wireless coverage in and around buildings was challenging coverage in highly utilized basement classrooms was nearly impossible. Students are growing up in a world of constant connectivity says Dr. Ronald B. Toll who served as Dean of UCA s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics as well as special assistant to the President for Technology and Corporate Relations. They don t consider wireless connectivity a luxury. They expect it the way they expect a library to have books. CASE STUDY THE PROBLEM UCA wanted to provide students with ubiquitous laptop access to the UCA network and Internet throughout the campus. In doing so they would maximize the use of UCA s multi-million dollar wireless network and also create revenue opportunities with wireless service providers. First the UCA team had to solve a multitude of issues involving mixing new with old from putting digital on top of analog to blending equipment from different eras. But a truly ubiquitous
