Built by Bama

OIT maintains an extensive network to bring wireless connectivity across campus. Visit the pages below for information on getting connected.

About the Network

OIT provides networking and telephone services to over 120 University buildings as well as multiple off-site locations.  Most buildings are connected to the core network with 1 Gbps services.  The core itself operates at 40 Gbps. (Gbps – Gigabits, billions of bits per second.) To provide superior internet connectivity, we operate one or more network equipment closets in each building.  These closets host the switches that connect buildings to the core network, as well as switches that fan out to all of the wall jacks and wireless access points in the building.  Closets are equipped with air conditioning and UPS systems to protect against any brief power outages, and to also provide power line conditioning.

Wireless Advancements

OIT has deployed more than 10,000 monitored wireless access points across campus.  These access points provide high-density coverage in classrooms, libraries and other areas of heavy use. This extensive network infrastructure represents a major investment in the quality of technology services for UA students, faculty and staff.  Our network is secured using multiple layers of firewalls, intrusion detection and other modern security technologies.

Alabama Regional Education Network

UA is a member of the Alabama Regional Education Network which provides wide-area networking (WAN) infrastructure to the three main UA System campuses (UA, UAB, UAH).  This network and its secondary connections provide highly reliable connections between the campuses and to internet exchange points in Atlanta and Nashville with maximum bandwidth of 100 Gbps.

Internet 2

UA is a founding member of Internet2, a member-owned technology community that provides an ultra-high-speed network infrastructure that facilitates research collaboration, education services from outside the traditional campus border, and creativity in arts and humanities. Education services and research collaboration that require large data transmission and performed poorly, or are unavailable through the commercial internet, have this platform to thrive. OIT is pleased to offer you assistance regarding the setup and use of Internet2.  Generally, there is no additional cost associated with its use, but it does require that you are aware of how it may be incorporated into your research and teaching. Learn more about Internet2.