UQ Ipswich continues to set national benchmarks in the adoption of cutting-edge technology in Australian universities with the launch of its upgraded wireless network.
The University of Queensland`s Ipswich campus was the first university in Queensland with wireless access when it was first installed in mid-2000.
The network recently underwent significant upgrades and was officially launched as the UQconnect Wireless Network today (Wednesday, June 15).
The upgraded network will cover nearly the entire campus with wireless access, providing students and staff with internet access whether they are indoor or outside.
UQ Information Technology Services (ITS) director Nick Tate said the upgrade underscores UQ Ipswich`s tradition of being one of the most technologically advanced teaching and learning institutes in Australia.
"The initial installation of a wireless network at Ipswich has been a huge success, but now we have expanded the network so staff and students at Ipswich can move beyond traditional classrooms with anytime, anywhere Internet access," Mr Tate said.
"Our laptop program, which allows students to borrow laptops from the library for research via the wireless network, now becomes even more significant.
"Students can borrow a laptop with full network access, and continue working whether they are in the refectory, cafe, classroom or lab.
"This will have a remarkable impact on the way teaching and learning, and research is undertaken at the campus."
UQ has invested more than $50,000 in the development of the wireless network, with 30 access points going live at the launch.
Cisco Queensland manager, John Winters, said the upgrade of the wireless network showed the strong relationship between The University of Queensland and Cisco(R) had developed over a number of years.
"This wireless network will help to create benefits for all concerned at the UQ Ipswich, including students and staff. Cisco is excited to be working with the University, one of Australia`s leading providers of tertiary education," Mr Winters said.
"The wireless network will help students and staff to gain access to Internet-based learning tools in environments well beyond the lecture room."
The Mayor of Ipswich Paul Pisasale helped launched the UQconnect Wireless Network at UQ Ipswich.
The Ipswich community itself will benefit from public access to high-speed broadband at UQ`s Ipswich campus.
"We intend to facilitate the campus into becoming a local community technology hub," Mr Tate said.
"UQ and therefore Ipswich has, via AARNet3, one of the fastest internet connections in the country."
Media: For more information, contact David Ashkanasy (telephone 07 3365 4994, mobile 0412 880 932, email d.ashkanasy@uq.edu.au).
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