Speed is essential for digital success, and Bluefield University students will soon experience plenty of it. This week, the campus activated a 5 gigabit-per-second network. The upgrade will support academic and on-campus needs and the University’s new e-sports program.
The new system creates separate 2.5 Gbps networks for students and faculty, more than doubling the speed of the previous 1 Gbps system. This enhancement will outpace typical home connections. The Federal Communications Commission’s August 2024 Measuring Broadband America report puts the median U.S. residential internet speed at 467 Mbps, making BU’s new network over 5 times faster than what students experience at home.
Implementations include installing an upgraded firewall system and more robust network core components. The university will also conduct wireless optimization throughout the summer, addressing interference issues and coverage gaps across academic buildings and residence halls.
The network enhancements represent just one component of Bluefield University’s broader campus development initiative. The improvements align with the university’s “Blueprint for the Future” campaign, which includes several major infrastructure projects.
Among these projects is the extensive renovation of Alumni Hall, which will return to service as a student residence after a remodel. Once complete, the building will provide additional modern housing options for a growing on-campus student population.