Australia’s University of Newcastle is introducing the world’s latest Wi-Fi technology, which is Wi-Fi 6, to its campuses starting November 2019.
This is merely two months after the technology became available.
According to a recent press release, Wi-Fi 6 has the potential to be 40% faster than its predecessor, which is Wi-Fi 5.
Its biggest attribute, however, is its capacity to support multiple devices in congested areas.
Benefits of Wi-Fi 6
The Auchmuty Library, Callaghan, where the roll-out is commencing, can see as many as 4,000 students visiting per day. Each of them is often running two devices at a time through the University Wi-Fi.
The installation of Wi-Fi 6 will double the total number of Wi-Fi access points in the Auchmuty library.
However, Wi-Fi 5 will still be retained in order to support any devices not compatible with the latest technology.
Other highly populated areas such as the Shortland Union building and Huxley Library at Callaghan as well as the Ourimbah Library are among those on the University’s Wi-Fi 6 rollout plan.
The students can expect to see a significant enhancement to the University’s Wi-Fi service as the roll-out ensues.
Such quick adoption places the University as one of the first to install Wi-Fi 6 in the Greater Newcastle region and the higher education sector in Australia, as well as one of the early adopters globally.
Enriching the Learning Experience
The University has a track record of leading the tech space within the higher education sector. There is a strong history of creating award-winning technology solutions to enhance student learning and university experience.
The University is also one of the first to offer its students the latest technology advancements.
The University’s Chief Information Officer, Mr Anthony Molinia, explained that the introduction of world-leading and emerging technologies would enrich the learning experience of the students.
He added that this is part of a broader strategic plan that will see Wi-Fi 6 rolled out across a number of premises in 2020.
The University is absolutely committed to giving the students access to the latest technology. This:
- Enables them to study more effectively
- Gives them a chance to learn hands-on
- Helps them prepare for the kind of workforce environments they will be moving into when they finish university
Universities also have a role to play in the local community’s economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.
Universities should ensure that they provide a technology environment, which enables the world-leading research capability to flourish, manages its environmental impact and allows innovation to thrive is key to this.
The University’s technology approach supports the City of Newcastle’s award-winning Smart City Strategy, Lake Macquarie Council’s Smart City, Smart Council approach to supporting innovation and the desired role of the University in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan.