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Having received funding approval from the board of directors at its May 1 meeting, Sweet Briar College will embark on a summer-long project to overhaul its existing computer network.

According to director of network services Aaron Mahler, virtually all of the core hardware that comprises the network will be replaced using state-of-the-art equipment, resulting in a 100- to 1,000-fold increase in internal network speed. The upgrades also will increase network reliability, flexibility and security.

In addition to the wired network overhaul, a new wireless network will be installed that should bring full WiFi access to all student residences, classrooms and public spaces. While WiFi exists on many parts of campus today, the new system will represent a cohesive and more reliable blanket of coverage providing both public and private access to the SBC network and the Internet.

Sweet Briar's network already serves all areas of campus via Ethernet and utilizes a fiber optic backbone between the buildings and the computer center at its core. This upgrade will bring the core and all network closet equipment into line with the latest industry standards.

The updated design also lays the groundwork for future advances associated with the ongoing convergence of computers, media, telephony and an ever-growing variety of network-connected devices.

The upgrade process will begin by June and should be completed by August. The rollout is being done parallel to the existing network, allowing each building to be addressed individually with minimal scheduled downtime. This approach allows the old network equipment to be progressively retired throughout the summer until everything has been replaced.

In June, Mahler will start a blog documenting the upgrade process as he and others in computer services and telecom begin the hands-on process of installing and testing the new wired and wireless network.