Dive Brief:
- The latest WiFi technology, 802.11ac Wave 2, is nearly here, and some campuses are already planning infrastructure changes to make use of the faster, more powerful connectivity.
- Campus Technology reports Emory and Henry College in the Appalachian Highlands of Virginia is replacing its entire network infrastructure, choosing the very best now in hopes that it will last through their eight-year upgrade cycle.
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts is moving to Wave 2 to meet the expectations of students and maintain its reputation of leading-edge service when it comes to technology — the institute will use the faster connection in the most important places: classrooms, student gathering places, and major event spaces.
Dive Insight:
Higher education institutions that are considering tech upgrades when it comes to wireless connectivity should consider both Wave 1 and Wave 2. At Worcester Polytechnic, the IT team is limiting its use of the more expensive and more powerful Wave 2 devices to areas where there is the highest need. Wave 1 is still more powerful than alternatives on the market. And, in fact, institutions that are ready to move now won’t be able to get the full benefit of Wave 2 for about a year because smartphone, tablet, and laptop manufacturers have to catch their products up. The Wave 2 certification process by the WiFi Alliance is expected to begin only in the next few months.