Last February, IT Services dedicated $60,000 toward improving the wireless network on Miami University's Oxford campus, specifically to improve signal speed and to create smart access points to ensure students were safely logged onto the Internet.
However, one year later many students fail to see much evidence of change.
According to IT services, the funds were dispersed into a pool to create such access points, and as a result, the wireless network is now better suited to accommodate the average student's needs.
Signal strength was reported as weakest in residence halls, so they became the main focus of the changes, according to Cathy McVey, director of customer relations and communications for IT Services. The Cisco Clean Access (CCA) network was added to Miami's Internet connections six years ago to combat a massive virus outbreak that caused disrupted traffic for about 25 percent of the student population, McVey said.
McVey added the CCA network is continually updated to provide students with the safest medium of wireless Internet.
"With the advent of YouTube, live video streaming and online gaming, (IT Services) is in a constant state of growth," McVey said.
Yet given such growth, McVey said the wireless system could be stronger in certain places across Miami's campus, particularly in the residence halls.
McVey said due to the age of many buildings, they are not designed to accommodate modern technology, meaning wireless signals will likely remain weak in certain areas of older buildings.
According to sophomore Megan Garry, the weak signal strength is a large source of frustration, ultimately limiting her mobility within Minnich Hall.
"It's very frustrating when I try to complete homework in my (residence) hall's study rooms because the wireless is so slow," Garry said. "Sometimes logging on will be a breeze, and other times the thing will freeze entirely."
McVey said the complaint she receives most often from students is in reference to the speed of the wireless connection.
Yet in order to keep up-to-date with streaming video and other such technologies, McVey said network updates must be made at a reasonable pace.
Garry said the inability to smoothly stream video is a hassle.
"Because of my busy schedule this semester, it is difficult for me to watch television at its scheduled time," Garry said. "It is like pulling teeth everything time I try to watch one of my soaps online. You just never know if the system will be up and running that day."
According to Chris Bernard, director of network engineering and telecommunications, funds are constantly being put toward the maintenance and upkeep of the network.
"There is always room for improvement," Bernard said. "We are also looking at our long term plan for CCA and evaluating our alternatives."
Bernard said a constant effort to improve the system's efficiency and to provide students with latest software upgrades is in place. With the last major upgrade made in 2006 to improve wireless strength, both McVey and Bernard said the process is continual and progressive.
Nevertheless, many members of the student body seem eager to gain quicker access to the wireless network and improve the signal loss many have experienced.
"I think that with all of the advancements made online, it is time for the university to make a significant upgrade to the wireless network," Garry said.
