Following a successful pilot, a five-year rollout programme has now commenced for the Improving Wireless Programme. This work will expand the Managed Wireless Service (MWS) across department and faculty buildings.
Planning and collaboration
Delivering high-quality Wi-Fi into buildings requires a thorough and carefully planned eight-stage process. Developed by the programme team, this process begins with assessing current Wi-Fi performance and understanding both the needs of building users and the unique characteristics of each building. This may include checking for the presence of asbestos or ensuring compliance with listed building and heritage regulations. Technical work involves analysing survey data to determine optimal locations for Wi-Fi equipment and confirming that cabling infrastructure can support the upgraded service.
Given the historic nature of many of the buildings involved, this preparatory work can be time-consuming. The process is a collaborative effort involving colleagues in IT Services, Estates Services, and local IT and building support teams. Only once all preparatory steps are complete can the physical installation of Wi-Fi access points begin—bringing improved wireless connectivity to staff, students, and visitors.
The programme team has also developed a flexible and responsive delivery model for the Managed Wireless Service (MWS). This includes a prioritisation process that adapts to the evolving needs of departments and buildings, and an agile approach that enables multiple buildings to progress simultaneously.
Cost savings with Juniper Mist
While the programme will not include installing the MWS into college buildings, it will provide guidance for those considering implementing the service’s Wi-Fi solution, Juniper Mist.
By implementing Juniper Mist, colleges can benefit from cost savings negotiated under the University’s framework agreement, learning from the programme’s eight-stage process and easier integration into the MWS Juniper system, if required. Those wishing to do so should contact the Managed Networks team.
Further information and contacts
For further information see the Improving Wireless programme page or contact the programme team.
