Published on 6/15/22
Network Services is pleased to announce campus-wide network infrastructure upgrades that will ensure the UM community continues to experience a fast and reliable networking experience. These upgrades include replacing all wireless access points with Cisco Meraki, upgrading all network switching in campus buildings, and upgrading the backend wireless authentication system.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi upgrade is already underway! Over the next several months, you may notice Telecommunications technicians and Network Services staff in your buildings during the workday replacing the wireless access points that are mounted on the ceiling. Deployment plans (along with current wireless coverage) have been established to minimize client downtime and workday disruption as much as possible.
Wireless Authentication System
On June 29th, 2022, the backend system that handles wireless authentications was upgraded to the latest version. With this upgrade comes a few changes with how specialty devices will be handled. To clean up and optimize the system, the database that houses devices registered in the myDevices portal will be purged. As a result, users will need to re-register any devices they wish to connect to the OleMissDevices network. For more information on this upgrade, you can visit this page. If you need assistance registering your devices, please contact the IT Helpdesk by calling 662-915-5222 or emailing helpdesk@olemiss.edu.
Network Switching
The last major upgrade to the campus edge switching was done in 2013. The majority of these switches are outdated and no longer eligible for mainstream vendor support. Telecommunications has recently purchased new switching to replace the current outdated equipment that delivers hardwired network to campus buildings. Upgrading these switches will increase bandwidth to campus buildings and provide a 1GB wired connection to end-user devices. As equipment arrives on site, coordination efforts will be made to replace the equipment. Stay tuned for more information about this upgrade.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the upgrade, please email network@olemiss.edu.