When students at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) returned to campus this year, they found a pleasant surprise awaiting them—faster, more reliable, and more secure internet connectivity across all housing facilities. This transformative change was made possible by Apogee, a Boldyn Networks Company, which was selected by the university following a comprehensive RFP process. The goal? To elevate the student experience by providing cutting-edge technology that meets the growing demands of modern university life.
The Need for a Connectivity Overhaul
As the largest university in Alaska, UAA has always prided itself on providing an excellent educational experience. However, the legacy network infrastructure in student housing was struggling to keep pace with the demands of today’s students. With the proliferation of smart devices, online learning tools, and streaming services, the need for a more powerful and reliable network became increasingly urgent.
“It felt like our past provider was giving us the bare minimum level of support. The top complaint from our students was that the internet was slow, and they wanted a better experience,” said Heath Franklin, UAA senior facilities and contracts manager. “Students were attending more classes remotely and they needed reliable internet access for their lectures, study sessions and tests, but also just to live their lives in today’s world.”
The university recognized that their students’ academic success and overall campus experience depended on seamless connectivity. After evaluating several potential partners, UAA chose Apogee, thanks to the company’s strong track record in higher education and glowing references from other institutions across the country.
A ResNet Solution Designed for Modern Students
Apogee’s solution for UAA centered on its ResNet (Residential Network) services, which are specifically tailored to meet the needs of university residential environments. At the heart of this upgrade is the implementation of Wi-Fi 6 technology, the latest standard in wireless internet. Wi-Fi 6 offers several advantages over previous generations, including faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to handle a larger number of connected devices simultaneously. Apogee delivered the technology on more than double the number of access points to the network, ensuring full coverage at full speed, from a dorm room to study rooms and common areas.
For UAA students, this translates to a five fold increase in download speeds, now reaching up to 100 Mbps, and upload speeds of 50 Mbps. These speeds are crucial for activities that students engage in daily, such as video conferencing, streaming lectures, or simply relaxing with some online gaming after a long day of classes.
Those speeds are delivered on a per device basis, meaning every device connects at those speeds. That’s an important distinction because the new system also supports virtually unlimited device connections. Whether students are connecting laptops, smartphones, tablets, or wearables, they can now do so without worrying about network congestion or slowdowns. This is particularly important in today’s multi-device world, where students might be running a Zoom meeting on their laptop while simultaneously using their phone to research a project, all while their smartwatch keeps track of their fitness goals.
Connect Just Like at Home
One of the standout features of the new network is the introduction of Personal Area Networks (PANs). In many ways, this feature makes UAA housing feel more like home. A PAN allows devices within the same room or apartment to communicate with each other directly, similar to how they would on a home network.
This means that students can easily connect their printers, smart speakers, or even gaming consoles without the hassle of complicated configurations. Imagine being able to print a paper directly from your laptop without ever needing to mess with cables or complex settings—it’s a small detail, but one that makes day-to-day life just that little bit easier.
Streamlined Access with Single Sign-On
Another significant enhancement is the implementation of Single Sign-On (SSO). This feature allows students to access the network using their existing university credentials, eliminating the need to remember yet another username and password. Once logged in, students can seamlessly connect all their devices without having to repeatedly enter their credentials.
For students, this is a game-changer. No more trying to remember yet another password when you’re already juggling assignments, extracurriculars, and a social life. It’s one less barrier to getting online and getting things done, whether that’s participating in a group study session or streaming a movie to unwind.
Meeting National Standards, Right Here in Alaska
A key focus for Apogee was to ensure that UAA’s network infrastructure met or exceeded the standards that Apogee operates at other top universities across the country. This meant not just installing new technology, but doing so in a way that was forward-looking, scalable, and aligned with national trends in higher education connectivity.
The results speak for themselves. UAA’s new network is no longer limited by the legacy technology that once constrained it. Instead, students are now equipped with a cutting-edge infrastructure that supports their academic and personal needs, both now and in the years to come.
The Impact on Students
The dramatic improvement in both speed and reliability of the residential network has a direct impact on students’ academic productivity. With faster, more reliable internet, students can participate more fully in online learning, access resources quickly, and stay connected with family and friends without interruption.
Beyond academics, the new network improves the social and recreational aspects of student life. From streaming the latest shows to gaming with friends across the country, students now have the connectivity they need to enjoy their downtime to the fullest.
For many, this upgrade also provides peace of mind. Knowing that their devices are secure and that they can count on the network to perform, whether they’re studying late into the night or relaxing on the weekend, has made a significant difference in their overall campus experience.
Looking Ahead
As the academic year progresses, UAA is confident that the investment in Apogee’s ResNet solution will continue to pay dividends for its students. The university has taken a bold step in ensuring that its students have access to the best technology available, setting a standard that other institutions in the region may soon follow.
“We are enjoying problem free semesters, thanks to Apogee. Our students are now getting the Wi-Fi capabilities they deserve. Also, online learning is so much easier and smoother now. Because of Apogee, our campus residents no longer have to worry about slow, spotty, or non-existent Wi-Fi capabilities, and our housing and IT staff no longer hear complaints,” Franklin said.
For students, this means that their time at UAA will be supported by a world-class connectivity experience, one that allows them to focus on what truly matters: learning, growing, and making the most of their college years. And as technology continues to evolve, they can rest assured that UAA, with Apogee’s support, will be ready to meet the challenge, ensuring that their campus remains a hub of innovation and opportunity for all.
