DCU makes the final connection to digital campus

Dublin City University was the first university in Ireland to connect to Ireland’s new national 100 gigabit-per-second network, implemented on behalf of the education sector by HEAnet. HEAnet are Ireland's National Education and Research Network, provoiding internet connectivity and other digital communication technologies across Ireland's education sector.

The project is part of a commitment to develop a 21st Century digital campus as outlined in DCU’s strategic plan.

The upgrade of the wireless infrastructure has resulted in a significantly enhanced user experience, enabling greater coverage and meeting the requirements of 20,000 users across a multi-campus environment.

In addition, 158 teaching spaces across the Glasnevin, St Patrick’s and All Hallows campuses have been significantly enhanced.

Key features include:

• All rooms equipped with new projectors, fixed projector screens and audio systems.
• Wireless projection (AirMedia) to facilitate smartphone and tablet use.
• 122 rooms have new podiums with touchscreen interfaces to operate the digital equipment, document cameras to project physical documents and updated display screens.
• 28 rooms now provide dual projection facilities, allowing for the same image to be displayed on two screens or to display two different screens at the same time, e.g. lecture slides on one and an online classroom on the other using Adobe Connect.
• 19 student study rooms in the O'Reilly Library were fitted out with 43” Plasma screens and modern connections to enable collaborative study, e.g. practicing presentations.

Information Systems Services worked with the National Institute for Digital Learning, the DCU Teaching Enhancement Unit and the DCU Estates to review, design and upgrade the classrooms. The ‘IT Transformation’ aimed to implement a fit-for-purpose learning environment in collaboration with the McKeon Group, addressing the existing infrastructure deficits and the subsequent negative impact on staff and students.

ISS also worked with Agile Networks for the redesign of the old wired network infrastructure and new network installation. The new network is providing a future-proofed platform, allowing DCU to more effectively utilise new and emerging digital technologies such as location-based services, voice over wireless and device-based video conferencing.