Texas Tech Wireless Network Proposal

2012
Hunter Reinhardt Jacob Poole Jordan McGregor Josiah Wiles English 2311 November 10, 2012

Executive Summary
Purpose of Proposal The purpose of this proposal is to demonstrate the necessity to make improvements to wireless fidelity (WiFi) internet access on the Texas Tech University (TTU) campus. The ever changing, growing and evolving technology of today demands the same of the infrastructure needed to support this technology. Consequently, it is imperative for universities to continually evaluate and improve the WiFi infrastructure if they are to provide a meaningful and productive work environment and ultimately remain competitive. The objectives of this proposal are as follows: Demonstrate the current WiFi capabilities for the university Identify the target audience using WiFi technology and its importance Define the criteria necessary to support the recommended solutions, along with the methodology used to gather and analyze information to support the objectives

Based on a variety of data points, survey results, an interview, observation, and personal experience, it is evident Texas Tech University should continually improve WiFi (wireless local area network) access on the campus. Backdrop of the Wireless Network on Campus As technology has improved and industry has introduced new portable wireless devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, the demand for access to wireless local area networks has increased dramatically. There is an expectation, effectively a mentality of entitlement in consumers, that public buildings and especially universities provide secure and readily available internet access. Faculty, staff and students need to connect to the network to be able to: Conduct research Communicate with colleagues and peers Post educational materials, class assignments, grades, etc. Access class notes, e-books, power points, etc. Find information quickly as student group activities are assigned Conduct work before and after classes Access university information, news, announcements and activities Access social media

Not being able to access the Internet, causes stress for faculty, staff and students alike. This deficiency causes a loss in productivity and study time, and certainly impacts the level of satisfaction a university wants to maintain for recruitment, retention and possibility accreditation both short- and long-term.

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Value of Expanding Wireless Fidelity A continual systematic improvement in WiFi capabilities at Texas Tech University is an investment in the faculty, staff and students. With 32,637 students and thousands of faculty and staff spread across 11 colleges in 27 separate buildings, the necessity of having reliable, secure and predictable available wireless local area network access is vital. The benefits include: Decreasing stress for faculty, staff and students Improving productivity and minimizing down-time Improving recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and students Maintaining technology comparable to the times associated with the advancements of the portable wireless industry

With so many benefits, both obvious and intrinsic, wireless access is a strategic necessity now and in the future. Recommended Solutions Despite the complexity of todays technology, the solutions are quite simple. With the appropriate commitment of resources (funding and personnel), Texas Tech University can fully upgrade and maintain a state-of-the-art wireless local area network capable of serving faculty, staff and students. The three recommended solutions include: 1. The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents and system administration embrace the need for continued investment in information technology and infrastructure. 2. Increase the number of wireless local area networks, especially in buildings presently with limited or no infrastructure. 3. Increase the bandwidth of existing wireless local area networks to improve the maximum data transfer rate of communication. Literary Review Problem: Continual advances in technology and especially portable devices have created a multi-billion dollar industry for digital equipment, smartphones, tablets, video-game apparatus, and personal computers. These devices require a systematic infrastructure to operate efficiently. No place more than a university is expected to purchase and maintain this infrastructure at the highest possible level given the degree of expectation that faculty, staff and students use these devices for research, business and educational purposes. The advent of digital instruction, web based education, and the like, require the investment in technology in order to be remain competitive. This competitive belief extends to faculty, staff and student recruitment and retention alike, and their overall satisfaction.

Proposal 3

Data shows an ever-growing demand for wireless access. The extensive use of mobile devices connecting to corporate networks has increased to 89% for smartphones and tablets, which represents more than twice as many connections of these devices compared to just two years ago. At the Texas Tech University campus, a survey of students confirms the ever-growing use of personal wireless devices and the need for the university to improve access to a wireless local area network. Nationally, the increasing adoption of wireless devices, particularly smartphones, creates opportunities for universities to develop new strategies. Mobile phones account for 5.2% of the portable wireless device traffic or 1/20 of the US connected marketplace. Faculty, staff and students expect wireless access for communication purposes. Whether to look up information, text, make or receive telephone calls, the demand for immediate wireless access is growing and there seems to be no end in sight. (Source: Heidi Cohen Actionable Marketing Expert: 25 Mobile Research Charts to Guide Your 2012 Marketing, from www.heidicohen.com/why-you-need-marketing-now-research/)

Figure 1: Use of Portable Devices in the U.S.

Likewise, tablet personal computers are experiencing incredible advances and popularity. Many international companies now manufacture wireless tablets. As the price of tablets continues to move downward, while their unique capabilities improve, faculty and students will see the benefit of using these devices in the classroom. A recent published abstract by Tony Hursh with the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, documents the growing interest in tablets for educational purposes. The portability, pen-based input, low power consumption, and optional portrait screen format may make it possible to present [educational] material in new ways. (Source: Tony Hursh; Tablet PCs for Classroom Use: Technology and Application, from www.courses.education.illinois.edu/edpsy317/challenge-reports/hursh-tabletpc.html) Proposal 4

Across many U.S. universities, the expansion of wireless network access has become an indispensable strategic priority. These networks are relied on daily by faculty, staff, students and researchers to provide mobility to their networking. Texas Tech University must also consider having a campus-wide, robust network capable of meeting the current and future demand for wireless devices. A simple Google search of university WiFi expansion generates millions of results demonstrating the commitment by higher education to adopt wireless technology. Clearly, this is no passing fad, and in terms of strategic importance, despite the on-going cost, information technology including wireless access is a dynamic operation critical responsibility of the university. Aim and Focus The essential aim of this proposal is to expand wireless capability across the Texas Tech University campus. The university has a successful history of constructing new buildings (Rawls College of Business, the Boston Avenue dormitory, the Kent Hance Chapel) and making significant improvements to existing facilities (AT&T Jones Stadium), which have greatly improved aesthetics and the need for space. Likewise, many of the campus facilities have had little or no improvements (Holden Hall, the Library, dormitories). Consequently, the technology infrastructure quickly reaches capacity, or in many areas of the existing buildings have non-existent wireless local area networks necessary to support the educational mission. The ever growing student body of Texas Tech University requires a comparable investment in both facilities and technologic infrastructure. Since 2008, student enrollment at Texas Tech University has grown by 14%, or 4189 people. In the past four years the purchase of laptop computers, tablets and smartphones, have experienced exponential growth. Faculty and staff rely on WiFi to access research material, education support, post lectures, grades, class assignments, and conduct daily university business. Students demand WiFi to download these and much more, including social media, web based reference information for class work, shopping, and personal downtime. All this requires a reliable, expansive and secure WiFi system on the campus. Methods of Research The research of this proposal included the use of random surveys, interview and published data analysis. The WiFi Quality Study survey consisted of ten questions which obtained basic demographic information and feedback relative to the Texas Tech University wireless fidelity capabilities. The responses to the survey included 26 seniors, 14 juniors, 8 sophomores, 6 freshmen and 1 graduate student for a total of 55, of which 32 were male and 23 were female. An overwhelming majority, 52 of the respondents, indicated they use wireless devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.) while on campus. The survey showed most wireless users spent at least two hours on their wireless devices to more than six hours daily. Information was also collected concerning which university buildings these individuals spent most of their time using WiFi.

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It appears the university Information Technology department must prioritize wireless access across all areas and champion this cause with administration. In most cases, limited wireless infrastructure is not a result of a lack of interest or commitment on the part of the Information Technology department, but one of resources. Funding necessary to have and maintain a vigorous technology infrastructure is key to a successful, reliable wireless system. Texas Tech University Student Survey Results

Figure 2: Survey Respondents Classification

Figure 3: Number of TTU Students Who Use Wireless Devices

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Figure 4: The Rate of WiFi Use on the TTU Campus

Buildings on Campus using WIFI 60

40

Precent of Students

20

0
ESS Biology Mass Human Electrical SUB Dormitories BA Comm Sciences Engineering Chemistry Library Civil Holden English Engineering Hall

Building

Figure 5: TTU Buildings Using WiFi

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Figure 6: Building Floors Where Students Spend Time Using WiFi

Figure 7: Student Rating of WiFi Quality on Campus

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Analysis of Survey Results Of the students who responded to the survey, 32 were male (58%) and 23 were female (42%). Their feedback concerning interactions with other Tech students and how they would rate the consensus of opinion on campus WiFi quality showed a clear majority of responses were average (26), and poor (13) and very poor (7) as second and third responses. In response to the question about whether students would support WiFi improvements, 45 indicated they would while 7 said they would not. Overwhelming student feedback reflects the use of mobile devices, the need for reliable wireless access and the importance of improving the system for the campus as a whole. Interview Results A focused interview was conducted with Mr. Colin McClure, Senior Systems Administrator for Verizon Terremark. Mr. McClure is a December 2010 graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelors degree in Management Information Systems from the Rawls College of Business. The interview revealed a deficiency by the university to maintain an adequate WiFi system. Due to a lack of cooperation with the Texas Tech University Information Technology Department, the proposal team was compelled to interview an individual outside of the department. In the interest of interviewing someone with a good knowledge of the subject, it was determined to interview a professional information technology (IT) individual who recently attended Texas Tech University. The goal was to obtain someones professional opinion who was also familiar with Texas Techs wireless internet system. The interview was focused on credentials, ways to improve wireless internet, and why having an effective wireless internet infrastructure is needed. Mr. McClure detailed his credentials and experience in this field clearly. Analysis of Interview Mr. McClure was a valuable contributor to the proposal. His expertise and familiarity with Texas Tech Universitys wireless internet service allowed him to propose reasonable and achievable options that would greatly improve the wireless internet. Mr. McClure stated that a complete overhaul of the system would be too costly and time consuming. He recommended simple cost effective processes that could greatly improve the wireless coverage across the campus. To summarize his recommendations, the university IT department should evaluate the current status of wireless access points and making adjustments either to the antennas or their quality. This simple step will greatly improve the WiFi on campus. Mr. McClure also explained the importance of having a good accessible wireless internet in todays changing world. By simply working to improve the system that is already in place, Texas Tech University would benefit from the upgrades for years to come. He also indicated it will help make the university more attractive to prospective students and help keep the university at a high level of excellence.

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Benefits Produced By Wireless Expansion Benefits of a strategic initiative are not always calculated in dollars and cents. In the case of this proposal, it is feasible (but beyond the scope of this team) to analyze the cost of lost productivity by faculty, staff and students given the current wireless access environment. Equally, it would be possible given time and the analytical tools to evaluate the improvements in productivity and their associated financial value if wireless access where at its optimal operating efficiency. Suffice it to say, any improvements in a continual systematic approach regarding WiFi capabilities at Texas Tech University is an investment in the faculty, staff and students. With 32,637 students and thousands of faculty and staff spread across 11 colleges in 27 separate buildings, the necessity of having reliable, secure and predictable available wireless local area network access is vital. The benefits include: Decreasing stress for faculty, staff and students Improving productivity and minimizing down-time Improving recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and students Maintaining technology comparable to the times associated with the advancements of the portable wireless industry

Improving the wireless access on the Texas Tech University campus is a debate in priorities. With limited discretionary financial resources available to the university, the administration is challenged to support a billion dollar operating budget with multiple requests, political urgencies, diverse and at times conflicting visions of the Board of Regents, and in general the infrastructure requirements (other than information technology) important to effectively operate this large system. It is imperative at all times to properly, judiciously allocate resources for the best use while being an excellent steward of the states funding. That said, with a budget as large as Texas Techs, unnecessary expenses and perhaps waste is always a possibility and therefore, prudence dictates the constant evaluation and oversight needed to ensure every dollar is spent wisely. Information technology infrastructure must be a part of the discussion, as this industry will constantly demand attention.

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Gantt Chart
Task Name Preparation Walk-through test Heat mapping Purchase routers Installation Prepare/hire team for installation Layout supplies in appropriate areas Install equipment Evaluation Reassess WiFi capabilities (Heat map, walk-through, student/faculty survey) Maximize WiFi coverage Amplify coverage by antennae adjustment Request more IP addresses on needs basis Maximize WiFi coverage based on material interference Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Recommendations Mission Critical Recommendation: The Texas Tech University System Board of Regents and system administration embrace the need for continued investment in information technology and infrastructure. As time moves forward, new inventions and applications of technology will infiltrate the research and education missions of higher education demanding leadership to change and grow. It is time to be proactive and not reactive to these phenomena. Optimal Recommendation: It is recommended Texas Tech University increase the number of wireless local area networks, especially in buildings presently with limited or no infrastructure. This is an expensive recommendation but an investment most far-reaching. Having WiFi capability in every facility and in locations widely used by faculty, staff and students is mission critical. For all the benefits indicated in this proposal, a comprehensive WiFi system achieves numerous objectives and has the potential to vastly improve productively and satisfaction. The future is here and will continue to evolve exponentially as technology appears to have no limitations. Wireless everything is on the horizon. This university must embrace technology and infrastructure and make it a strategic priority.

Optional Recommendation:

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Increase the bandwidth of existing wireless local area networks to improve the maximum data transfer rate of communication. Limitations in radio wavelengths dictate the service field of wireless local area networks. Investment by expanding the bandwidth of these devices achieves the immediate need for access to the system in the current locations and buildings with this infrastructure. Conclusion The Texas Tech Wireless Network Proposal is a selective evaluation of the of the wireless fidelity WiFi capabilities on the university campus and an argument why leadership must establish a strategic priority that includes information technology infrastructure. It was determined that WiFi connectivity is sparse and in some cases non-existent despite the exponential growth of wireless device use and more importantly, the ever changing landscape of how this technology does and will have applications in the higher-education environment. Student survey feedback corroborated the weaknesses of existing wireless access in many buildings. In addition, it demonstrated the support of expanding WiFi and importance of information technology now and in the future. An interview with a recent university graduate who majored in information technology revealed the limitations of wireless connectively on the Texas Tech University campus, and the future importance of portable devices as their popularity continues to grow. The recommendations concluded institutional priorities must comprise strategic plans that embody information technology infrastructure. Investment is necessary, if not vital, to both short- and long-term wireless access needs for faculty, staff and students. It was suggested to increase the number of wireless local area networks in buildings with limited or no access at the moment. This is important in that, access at a minimum needs to be available throughout the university campus. Improving bandwidth of existing wireless local area network systems is also a principal solution that may be a lesser cost, but with immediate, positive results. Texas Tech University leadership must evaluate and determine the appropriate allocation of resources that includes information technology infrastructure. Qualifications of the Team HR: I am a Senior at Texas Tech University majoring in Exercise and Sports Sciences with a minor in Biology. My studies involve a daily use of wireless devices, in which I access from my iPhone and Hp laptop. In class I primarily use my iPhone to check emails and reference topics discussed in class. I use my Hp laptop to upload power point presentations and anything else I need to complete the task at hand in class. I have used these devices since my freshman year and depend on them pretty much every single day. Outside of class I access wireless internet from the library to complete homework, study for tests, and research any topic I need. I have experienced multiple errors in the wireless internet connection in the library and many building basements. Therefore I try to complete my homework from home to avoid the chance of losing connection.

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JM: I am a junior at Texas Tech University, majoring in Anthropology with a minor in Sociology. My experience with portable wireless devices includes an iPhone and MacBook laptop computer which are used daily for classwork and communication. Practically every course I have taken has included the need for in-class wireless access to lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and web-based materials. Outside of and between classes, wireless connectively is critical to complete homework, read reference materials, prepare for exams, and have the fundamental tools to be a successful student. I frequent many buildings on campus including the library and have experienced first-hand the current wireless limitations. Consequently, it is necessary to work from home or at non-campus locations in order to complete school related activities and/or communicate with other students and faculty. JP: I am a senior at Texas Tech University, majoring in International Economics with a minor in Political Science. My studies have given me a broad knowledge in survey analysis and statistics. I own multiple wireless devices that I utilize everyday for my studies. My wireless devices include an iPhone, iPad, and Hewlett-Packard laptop. I have attended classes in most scholastic buildings on campus. I regularly study in the library and Holden Hall. My studies have also included learning essential computer programs such as Microsoft word, excel, access, and GRETL statistical analysis program. Also, attending Texas Tech the past four years has allowed me to experience the wireless internet successes and failures in areas all over campus. JW: I am a senior at Texas Tech University majoring in Community, Family, and Addiction Services. I have experience using multiple wireless devices, as I own an iPad, iPhone, and Sony laptop computer. I utilize these devices daily on campus for note-taking, studying, research, and communication with faculty and peers. I have experience using devices both during and in between classes in several of the buildings on campus including Holden Hall, Student Union, Math, Biology, Human Sciences, English and Philosophy, and the library. I have found that wireless internet service is vital for many of the daily functions of student life.

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Appendices
Works Cited.Appendix A Interview IAppendix B Texas Tech Wireless Satisfaction Survey...Appendix C

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Appendix A Works Cited Cohen, Heidi. "25 Mobile Research Charts to Guide Your 2012 Marketing." http/www.heidicohen.com/. Ed. Heidi Cohen. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://www.heidicohen.com/why-you-need-marketing-now-research>. Hursh, Tony. "Tablet PCs for Classroom Use: Technology and Application." http//www.illinois.edu. Department of Educational Psychology, n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://courses.education.illinois.edu/edpsy317/sp03/challengereports/hursh-tabletpc.html> Texas Tech University. N.p., 19 Aug. 2012. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://ttu.edu>. "Wireless-N Gigabit Security Router with VPN." Cisco. Channel Intelligence, Inc., 2012. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://cisco.links.channelintelligence.com/pages/prices.asp?sSKU=WRVS4400N& nRGID=2422>.

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Appendix B Interview With Colin McClure, Senior Systems Administrator for Verizon Terremark I= Interviewer R=Respondent I: Hello, my name is Jacob Poole, our proposal teams objective is investigating and creating a business proposal targeted at improving the wireless internet quality, speed, capabilities, etc on Texas Tech University Campus. May I use your full name and title in the publication of this interview? If yes please state your name and professional title. R: Yes, Colin Robert McClure, and I am a Senior Systems Administrator for Verizon Terremark. I: You recently graduated from the Texas Tech University correct? What degree did you receive and when did you graduate? R: Yep, I graduated in December of 2010 with Bachelors in Management Information Systems from the Rawls College of Business School. I: What does studying Management Information Systems teach you? R: I learned how to provide information that is needed to manage organizations efficiently and effectively. In a nutshell, I help executive officers and management make better informed decisions by monitoring and maximizing information support systems. I: Would you say that the wireless internet is largely involved in your work? R: Id say that yes, but in todays modern world wireless internet is heavily involved in all business practices. I: Since graduation, what job positions have you held related to our proposed business topic? R: Upon graduating I took a job with Grace Health Systems as a Network Associate, eventually moving up to a Junior Systems Administrator. After staying with Grace for about a year and a half I moved to Dallas to pursue a Senior System Administrator position with Verizon Terremark. I have held my current position for about three months. I: Does your work involve regularly involve maintaince, monitoring, or use of wifi internet? If yes, please clarify. R: My current position is with the infrastructure monitoring team so, no my current position is not involved with Network Operations. In my previous job I was intimately

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involved with network infrastructure and was constantly maintaining our wireless network. I: So your job with Grace Health Systems required you to constantly work and maintain wireless internet could you elaborate more please? R: Well many hospitals nowadays have doctors using iPads, laptops, and other wireless devices that can be used to schedule operations, follow ups, etc, but more importantly the doctors can use iPads to message nurses for immediate medicine being brought in, they can show patients photographs of skeletons, brain scans, central nervous systems and much more with great ease. The combination of wireless internet access and wireless devices has in many ways revolutionized the health care industry. It is absolutely essential to keep the wireless network at Grace Health Systems running at peak performance. Some of my most stressful days working there were a direct result of the wireless internet misbehaving. I: As a former Texas Tech student, would you say you are familiar with the Universitys wireless internet system and capabilities? R: Yes, I often did troubleshooting for peers when they had authentication issues and did extensive troubleshooting of my own devices. I: What actions would the IT department and University need to take to noticeably improve wireless internet functions on campus? R: I dont believe this question can be narrowed down to a couple aspects. A large part of maintaining infrastructure is looking for improvements which, from my personal experiences, I dont believe the IT department pays much detail to. I: Are you familiar with some blackout or very low quality internet areas of campus, such as the basement floor of Holden Hall? R: Yes, I have experienced several areas on campus which I would otherwise expect a strong connection only to find I have weak to no signal. I: What could be done to improve the quality of wifi connection in these poor areas? R: First the IT department needs to do some surveying of their coverage. There are tons of wifi heat mapping software out there which, configured correctly, can provide a great idea where the signal drops off in relation to the access point. Check out Ekahau its free. Second the IT department needs to look at their access points; oftentimes changing the positioning of the antenna can stop some of the signal attenuation and greatly improve coverage. Third if coverage cant be improved with these measures, simply deploying more access points or assessing the quality of their current access points. I: If Texas Tech University were to take on a project that was aimed at improving the wireless internet on campus, how long do you think it would take to complete the project Proposal 17

and see results? Please feel free to speculate here, multiple scenarios are encouraged as well. R: I believe an overhaul of the entire wireless infrastructure could take years. Again, I dont believe of this a purely a project with a definite start and end date. It needs to be something they are constantly inspecting and maintaining. I: How much do you think it may cost the University to implement some of these changes, both immediate and long-term? Again speculation is alright R: Some of the changes I am suggesting are of little to no cost short of sheer man power. Overhauling the entire wireless infrastructure including access points and wireless controllers could cost in the millions. I believe to more accurately answer I would need a better idea of hardware numbers. I: In your professional opinion, would increasing the wireless capabilities on Texas Tech campus help make students more productive? Would it help make the University more attractive to prospective students in the future? R: Absolutely, the number of wireless devices people carry is constantly increasing from cell phones, to tablets, even e-books, and of course computers. A stronger, more secure, easier to access network is a benefit to anyone that steps foot on campus. I: Finally, do you have any professors, mentors, etc that you worked with and/or studied under while attending Texas Tech University that you feel we should contact that could be useful and helpful to our proposal? R: I dont believe so, most any contact I provide would only be able to give advice professionally. I: My proposal team and myself thank you for your time and responses today. R: No problem, your very welcome.

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Appendix C

Texas Tech Wireless Satisfaction Survey

The purpose of this survey is to gather information about student satisfaction regarding the wireless network service at Texas Tech University. 1. What is your classification? (Please circle one answer) Freshman Senior Sophomore Graduate Student Junior N/A (Not a current Texas Tech Student) 2. What is your sex? (Please circle one answer) Male Female 3. Do you use wireless devices (laptops, tablet, smartphone, etc.) on campus? (Circle one) Yes No 4. If you answered yes to the previous question, then rate how often you use WIFI on campus daily. (Please check appropriate box) 0-1 4-5 2-3 More then 6 5. In which buildings do you spend the most time using WIFI on campus? (Please list all that apply) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. What floors in your buildings do you spend the most time using WIFI? (Please check appropriate box) Basement-1 2-3 4+ 7. How many of your classes require the use of WIFI? (Please check appropriate box) 0 1 2 3 4 5+ 8. From your experience, how would you rate the quality of WIFI on campus? (Circle one) Extremely Good Good Average Poor Extremely Poor 5 4 3 2 1 9. From your interactions with other Tech students, how would you rate the consensus of opinion on campus WIFI quality? (Circle one) Extremely Good Good Average Poor Extremely Poor 5 4 3 2 1 10. Would you support a proposal intending to improve WIFI quality on campus? On the lines provided, please provide any thoughts you have about improving the quality of WIFI on Texas Tech campus. (Circle one) Yes No _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. Your responses are very important in helping improve the quality of WIFI on the Texas Tech campus.

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