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US university extends high-density wireless coverage
University of North Dakota teamed with Boldyn as part of the NetX: Elevating Connectivity initiative to meet the long-term needs of a research university.
The University of North Dakota (UND) has completed the second and final phase of a comprehensive network transformation, extending high-density wireless coverage and boosting connectivity across the entire campus.
Boldyn Networks and UND partnered as part of the university’s NetX: Elevating Connectivity initiative, whereby it completely reimagined its network architecture – specifically tailored to meet its long-term needs.
Network infrastructure
Following the upgrade of residence hall wireless connectivity in 2024, this latest phase significantly expands UND’s network infrastructure. Boldyn made use of existing equipment to deploy new technologies – including two next-generation firewalls – all while maintaining operational continuity.
The second phase brings robust, secure wireless connectivity to all academic buildings, research centres, and key facilities like the School of Medicine & Health Sciences, UND Flight School at the Grand Forks International Airport, and other core learning environments.
“When we set out to modernise our housing network, our priority was clear: students should have an experience on par with, or better than what they have at home,” said Madhavi Marasinghe, associate vice president and CIO, University of North Dakota. “The new ResNet has delivered exactly that. That’s the kind of foundation we want for their UND journey.”
“When we set out to modernise our housing network, our priority was clear: students should have an experience on par with, or better than what they have at home”
According to UND, the results from the initial phase of the rollout, modernising ResNet for all 10 residential halls on campus, set a strong precedent. This year upon student move-in, UND reports it saw a dramatic reduction in wireless-related support tickets, with minimal reports of connectivity issues at help desks across campus.
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The network’s reliability reduced the number of on-site IT personnel needed during the high-demand back-to-school period, streamlining operations and enhancing student satisfaction.
The results of Boldyn’s work and UND’s NetX initiative lay the groundwork for long-term benefits for the university, including:
- Faster, more reliable access on UND-Secured, with easier onboarding for students, faculty, and staff
- Improved UND-Guest wifi, featuring a streamlined user portal for visitors with access limited only to the internet
- A dedicated ResNet network for residence halls, offering better security, performance, and compliance
- Doubling the wireless access points in ResNet, significantly expanding coverage in residential areas
- Centralised management and automation, enabling faster response and greater flexibility
- Significant projected savings over the next 10 years in network management costs.
“The University of North Dakota is a place of innovation and ambition that is firing on all cylinders,” said Matt Loecke, executive vice president, Boldyn Networks for higher education. “Our goal was to ensure the campus had the network backbone to match that spirit – from high-density student housing to the instrumental academic and research buildings.”
With the core transformation complete, Boldyn Networks and the University of North Dakota report they will continue their work together to support future campus expansion and ensure UND remains a fully connected, forward-looking institution.
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How does the new network architecture improve wireless coverage on campus?What technologies were integrated to enhance UND's network security?How does centralised management benefit UND's network operations?In what ways does the upgraded ResNet improve student connectivity?What long-term cost savings are expected from the network transformation?
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