25 November 2025 - Network Wi-Fi Expansion on Campus: A Successful Start to the Project

Better connected: Wi-Fi network extension for the university

This project, commissioned by the rectorate, was launched in the summer with the aim of measurably and visibly improving the existing Wi-Fi infrastructure throughout the university by the end of 2025, thereby significantly increasing user-friendliness. The extensive undertaking is being coordinated and managed by the University Computing Centre, with the involvement of the University's Division 3 – Planning, Construction and Security – and the state agency Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg (Property and Construction Baden-Württemberg). As part of the project, external service providers are providing support with planning and expansion, with the URZ continuing to operate the Wi-Fi network as before. Wi-Fi on campus is one of the most important IT services provided by the Computing Centre, as it is used by almost all students and employees in their daily lives via eduroam.

Current Status: Project Phases at a Glance

The Wi-Fi expansion is slated to continue until the end of 2025 and will be implemented in three phases. All phases and sub-processes will be directed and monitored by the URZ. Since all buildings are being inspected and surveyed, project phases one and two are currently running in parallel:

• Phase 1: Replacing old access points by the end of 2024
• Phase 2: Inspection and Wi-Fi simulation of approximately 180 buildings
• Phase 3:  
  • Completion of the first pilot buildings by the end of 2024 
  • Selection and development of further buildings in 2025

Phase 1: Improved stability and performance: Old access points to be replaced

After the project's planned start in the third quarter of 2024, the first phase will involve replacing the oldest generation of access points (APs) in faculty buildings and central facilities before the end of this year. APs are network devices that have been installed on various floors and in rooms to provide wireless internet access. The APs are connected to the building network via cable. The device replacement is not contingent on the other project phases and should be completed by the end of 2024.

Phase 2: Targeted Wi-Fi optimization through planning and simulation  

A prerequisite for planning a successful expansion is inspecting all properties and identifying current problems and needs as well as specific issues related to the facilities and buildings in advance.

Building inspections and points of contact at your institution 
To ensure that the project schedule remains on track and that special requirements can be taken into account, we need your cooperation. The project team has already notified all institutions by email about the expansion plans and asked them to appoint a contact person for the inspection. 
Important: If a contact person has not yet been named at your institution, please report this as soon as possible using the linked form. 


Wi-Fi Project: Designation of a contact person for the on-site inspection (DE)

Simulations for all university buildings 
Parallel to the on-site inspections, the Wi-Fi design for the buildings in question will be systematically simulated and planned. A service provider will conduct both the inspections and the simulations (AI-supported digital mapping based on building plans). During this process, Wi-Fi coverage, access points and signal strengths will be recorded and displayed on Wi-Fi "heat maps." Based on the findings, an improvement plan will be drawn up for each building.
These simulations will be carried out for all university buildings. The results will be used to prioritize and plan further expansion measures. Criteria such as fire safety and monument conservation as well as hazardous situations or building characteristics, which can influence the implementation, must be taken into account. 
Phase 2 should also be completed by the end of 2024, pending feedback from participating institutions. 
 

Phase 3 - Wi-Fi expansion to create a strong network

In the final project phase, the simulation results of the prioritized buildings will be handed over to qualified construction and electrical planners. These contractors will assess the feasibility of the improvement proposals and will take on the specific planning of the construction work (such as cabling the buildings) and site management, so that the new access points can be installed and put into operation. Finally, the project success will be documented based on quality control, and the final acceptance of the construction work can proceed.

First milestone: Completion of the expansion of the pilot buildings 

Three reference buildings were selected to serve as pilot projects based on their structural conditions and the existing Wi-Fi situation. These buildings are set to be completed by the end of 2024 and will serve as a blueprint for the expansion of further buildings in the coming year. The specialized plans will be implemented and new access points installed in coordination with the relevant institutions.