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improving speed and coverage with network upgrade program
Kailash Srinivasan
SFU's network is getting a much-needed upgrade to meet the growing demands of the university community. The multi-year Campus Network Program is replacing aging network cables and expanding wireless coverage, improving bandwidth and performance across Burnaby and Vancouver campuses.
Boosting wired speeds
Did you know that some of our cables were installed in the 1980s? Up to 40% of our network cabling is outdated, causing performance issues and lag and impacting activities that require high-speed connections like video conferencing on Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Through the network upgrade program, SFU IT will replace nearly 5,000 network cables to boost wired speeds from the current 10 to 1000Mbps—on par with today's fastest internet service to enhance the community's learning, teaching and working experience.
Expanding wireless coverage
Being situated on a mountain comes with picturesque views, but we've all experienced those frustrating dead zones where our Wi-Fi signal disappears. The network upgrade will expand wireless coverage to areas lacking connectivity, including teaching spaces, study areas, offices, Convocation Mall, the Rec Centre, and outdoor areas, by adding 300 new wireless access points. This will allow students, staff, and faculty to stay connected wherever they are on campus.
Expanded wireless will also enable emergency services access in more locations and reduce security risks from unauthorized wireless devices.
Supporting the future
The network upgrade will allow SFU's phone systems to support modern technologies, such as Microsoft Teams Phones. This will allow the community to make voice calls using a broadband internet connection instead of traditional desk (or analog) phone lines, offering benefits like improved call quality and cost savings.
SFU IT will complete these installations and upgrades in phases while minimizing the impact on students, faculty and staff. Phase 1 was completed in March 2024, and the program has moved on to Phase 2. This phase includes expanding the Wi-Fi network in key areas like the library, Shrum Sciences, Lorne Davies Gym, and Facilities Services, with an estimated completion by mid-2026. SFU IT will provide a timeline for subsequent phases.
This initiative is aligned with the SFU IT Plan and the What’s Next: The SFU Strategy to modernize the university's IT systems and infrastructure, creating a more consistent, campus-wide digital experience and transforming how we learn, work, and connect at the university.
Stay tuned for more details about these and upcoming upgrades.