MONTEVALLO, Ala.— Is the University of Montevallo’s wifi as bad as it seems? Students and faculty on campus often have trouble connecting to the internet, called FalconNet. This can seriously impair their ability to complete assignments or work, and for residents, disrupt even much-needed leisure time. So, why is FalconNet the way that it is?
FalconNet
Director of Information Technology Operations Jason Peterson explained that, before FalconNet, “If the College of Education wanted wifi, they bought wifi and put it in… there was no university-wide plan.” This led to a scattered system of different service providers, where internet connection varied drastically from department to department. But in 2015, students had enough, and called for change. The Alabamian newspaper described this “wi-fight” as protesting on the Quad and hanging signs on the cafeteria walls.
In response, the University of Montevallo granted the Information Services and Technology (IS&T) department the funds needed to install wireless access points in every building across campus, including all student dorm rooms. This is what we now know as FalconNet.
As of 2021, FalconNet consists of over 1,042 access points and utilizes a five gigabit network, a significant amount of bandwidth that should be far above current network demands. And FalconNet is still actively being expanded, with the faster Wifi 6 standard capable routers being installed in academic buildings last semester, and more access points being added to cover popular outdoor areas such as the Quad.
Yet, students and faculty still encounter issues. Peterson attributes this to a variance in users’ proximity to access points, and the existence of outside interference. Even the smallest of barriers, such as a door, can significantly impact internet speed. Also, during the day, internet traffic fluctuates, affecting latency, or delays in loading webpages, for users.
Information Services and Technology
However, when issues with FalconNet do arise, the University of Montevallo’s Information Services and Technology department is ready to respond. According to Chief Information Officer Joe Walsh, IS&T consists of “a team of very smart, creative, and hardworking IT professionals who come to work every day to support and guide the technology needs and aspirations of the students, staff and faculty at the University of Montevallo.”
IS&T monitors FalconNet carefully, using an advanced suite of software to detect outages, sometimes before students or faculty even notice an issue. The department is staffed throughout the working day, and there are employees focused just on the upkeep of internet service. For instance, when there is a disconnection detected or reported, Peterson states that technicians can respond to the affected area within approximately five to ten minutes.
Any student or staff member may submit reports to IS&T by email, and they can expect an appropriate, quick response.
Information Services and Technology also directly interacts with students through the Solution Center, located on the lower floor of Carmichael Library. This help desk is staffed by members of IS&T, who can help students with email, Banner, Canvas, and other school-supplied software issues. While they cannot make repairs to personal devices, they are equipped to help connect devices to FalconNet, and troubleshoot any connection problems. This is a free service, and a great first step in fixing internet problems.
Summary and Resources
The University of Montevallo’s internet does face some challenges, namely demand and inteference, but dedicated Information Services and Technology employees such as Jason Peterson and Joe Walsh are actively working to improve it. IS&T provides both students and teachers with online resources and helpful links on the Montevallo website, where you can also view their plan of action and current projects. You can also submit a ticket to the Solution Center by emailing solutioncenter@montevallo.edu.
Vallo Vision News 