Proposed action objective:
Provide secure, managed, campus-wide wireless network service for laptop and handheld computers both for building interiors and exteriors across campus. As evolving technologies permit, extend service up to a 30-mile radius. This will replace the current islands of wireless service that are insecure, labor intensive to maintain, and cannot be selectively enabled/disabled for classroom use.
How does this objective contribute to one or more of USD’s overall strategic goals?
This system will promote collaborative “integrated learning experiences across educational contexts” (Goal #2) and will contribute to “a stronger and clearer institutional identity regionally” (Goal #5).
Who is responsible for implementing and monitoring this objective?
CIO, with Network and System Operations group of Information Technology Services.
What steps are necessary to achieve this objective?
- Secure the current USD network by requiring authentication for access (work already underway for security reasons).
- Install two panels of Vivato’s exterior Wi-Fi wireless network system to cover campus building exteriors.
- Replace current top-level switches with models that support Power-over-Ethernet (required for Aruba Wall Outlets).
- Install 500 (estimated) Aruba Wi-Fi Wall Outlets and redundant management consoles.
- Install Wi-Fi equipment and software on the central Avaya 8700 telephone switch to enable support of wireless VoIP telephones.
- Over the next four years, monitor evolution of the 802.11k Wi-Fi standard and, as conforming products become available, replace the initial Vivato equipment with 802.11k equipment, capable of high bandwidth at long distances.
What measurable indicator(s) can be used to monitor progress?
- Wi-Fi signal maps of campus exterior and campus buildings
- Quarterly reports of number of wireless connections made through the system
- Monitored usage of number of minutes used on hand-held VoIP phones (possible long-distance revenue)
Proposed timeline—what is to be accomplished by:
| 2005-06 | Campus network authentication activated. Wireless service available on campus, outside buildings; top-level switches replaced with PoE switches; interior Wi-Fi deployment begins in most critical buildings (classroom buildings). |
| 2006-07 | Deployment of building Wi-Fi devices complete by September, 2006, and USD can declare itself to be a wireless campus; Avaya voice-over-IP (VoIP) phone switch Wi-Fi system installed to support mobile network-based phone service. |
| 2007-08 | Acquire and prototype 802.11k long-range, high-bandwidth Wi-Fi device to permit extension of campus network to remote communities; target Pacific Beach residents in pilot. |
| 2008-09 | Full deployment of 802.11k. |
| 2009-10 | Routine replacement cycle for Vivato exterior Wi-Fi (if not subsumed by 802.11k equipment) and Aruba interior Wi-Fi. |
What resources will be required to accomplish this objective?
| Financial | Security, authentication, & top-level switches: funded; exterior Vivato Wi-Fi panels: $80,000; 500 interior Aruba Wi-Fi Wall Outlets: $250,000; installation $30,000; management consoles: $40,000; Avaya 8700 wireless VoIP system: $20,000; [Total capital cost: $420,000]; ongoing operating expenses (maintenance): $60,000/year; capital replacement cycle: 4 years, 75% of initial cost (~ $300,000 or $75,000/year funded depreciation). |
| Personnel | One new staff member tasked with managing Aruba Wi-Fi system (scheduling closures in classrooms, replacing failed units) at an annual cost of ~ $75,000 including benefits. |
| Space | Office space for new staff member; roof space for Vivato panels; Ethernet wall outlets for Aruba Wi-Fi Wall Outlets; switches and management servers will be located in currently-available space. |
| Technical | Design consulting assistance from Vivato, Aruba, and Avaya; network design review from Network Insights. |
