The work of installing and maintaining network infrastructure for world-class research and education is a never-ending endeavor. As web services become more and more sophisticated and research data sets become larger by the day, SMU’s network must grow and improve alongside them. 2024 will see both wired and wireless network improvements in many buildings on campus, in addition to other major projects that will enhance services for our entire community.
Network Equipment Refresh
Routine wired and wireless network equipment refreshes continually provide improved service no matter how you connect. The following areas will be receiving new equipment over the next several months:
Wired Equipment Upgrades:
- Carr Collins, Jr. Hall
- Storey Hall
- Bridwell Library
- Perkins Chapel
- Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Hall
- Selecman Hall
- Stanley Patterson Hall
- Fondren Library Center
- FLE
- FLW
- Kirby Hall
Wireless Equipment Upgrades:
- 5538 Dyer
- 5539 SMU
- Expressway Tower
- 6200 North Central Expressway
- 6210 North Central Expressway
- Collins Executive
- Crum Basketball Center
- Dawson Service Center
- Fondren Library Center
- FLE
- FLW
- Greer Garson Theatre
- Hamon Arts Library
- Heroy Hall
- Kirby Hall
- Martin Hall
- McFarlin Auditorium
- Owen Arts Center
- Stanley Patterson Hall
- Selecman Hall
- Annette Caldwell Simmons Hall
- University Data Center
The majority of this work will take place in off-peak time periods, and we will always notify the community when maintenance takes place.
Additional Major Projects
Along with the networking upgrades above, many other projects are in the works for other parts of our technology infrastructure across campus. One major undertaking is our transition from Skype to Business to Microsoft Teams, which will involve replacing telephone devices and transferring phone numbers to the all-in-one communication and collaboration platform provided by Teams. This process will also include additional training sessions and content to help prepare the community for this change.
Other initiatives include work to connect the new research hub at Pegasus Park to SMU resources, continued updates to email security, stadium cell phone signal improvements, and even working with our colleagues in Athletics in providing the required bandwidth to power an all-new video production studio as SMU enters a new era of achievement as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference.
