Texas A&M International University

TAMIU Now Offers Complete
Wireless Campus Coverage

There’s something new in the air at Texas A&M International University this Fall:  an expanded wireless network capability that now covers the entire campus. Wireless coverage is now available in 100% of all TAMIU indoor public areas, classrooms, gym and recreation centers, outdoor green areas and intramural fields.

Students connect to the upgraded wireless network on their smartphones and tablets.

Leebrian Gaskins, TAMIU’s associate vice president for information technology and chief information officer, said the expansion is a critical system replacement and enhancement at a time of critical growth.

“We’ve replaced our existing wireless infrastructure because of the need for improved wireless service on campus to better accommodate enrollment growth and online classes.  Our students and campus community in general are all keen users of wireless devices and increased enrollment means a greater demand for wireless access,” Gaskins explained.

“With increased usage of smartphones, tablet computers and iPads, on-campus demand has grown considerably.  Students expect the ability to use their devices seamlessly across campus, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he noted.

“While we’ve enjoyed 100% coverage in dedicated academic areas, only about 60% of non-academic areas were covered.  Given the high mobility needs of both students and faculty, we’ve increased capacity in high concentration/high density areas by adding access points.   This elevates our campus to the new standard in wireless access, 802.11n.  We’ll be able to support a wide range of wireless devices popular among our students, faculty and staff throughout the campus and grounds, ” Gaskins concluded.

Funding for the critical expansion was supported in part by the campus’ student technology fee.

For additional information on TAMIU’s expanded wireless campus, contact Gaskins in the Office of Information Technology, at 956.326.2310, email lgaskins@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, Suite 157.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu