WiFi transformation

Improving WiFi coverage.

What is WiFi transformation?

The University is working to ensure students and staff have the WiFi coverage and signal strength required to access the latest technologies that support learning, collaboration, communications, and flexible working. This follows the recent updating of WiFi access points and other network equipment across campus.

WiFi transformation includes:

• Repositioning existing access points to ensure good coverage across buildings.
• Adding new WiFi access points to close gaps in coverage where required.
• Adding new cables only when necessary for the new access points. Reusing existing cables where possible to reduce environmental impact and cost.
• Working with academic representatives to determine building priorities.
• 67 buildings are being transformed.

The benefits for students and staff include:

• Improving WiFi coverage and signal strength across campus.
• Enhancing students’ study and communications experience, with priority being given to students’ experience in halls of residence.
• Enabling the University's 'WiFi first' policy (so users don’t have to plug into a network socket).
• Supporting flexible working.
• Enabling Microsoft Teams external calling for colleagues across campus, replacing old phone technology.

What and who will be impacted by the work as it takes place?

• There will be minimal disruption to WiFi connectivity around individual WiFi access points as they are being repositioned. We plan to avoid important times, especially for students.
• There will be people and work taking place onsite where access points are being added or moved.

When and where is this work taking place? 

Work is started September 2022 and is expected to be complete by December 2023.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Email: it.modernisation@manchester.ac.uk

If you need general IT help and support, contact our IT Support Centre either online through the IT Services website, or call 0161 306 5544.