The major inconvenience known as N.C. Central University's wireless network has angered many in the recent months, but improvements are on the horizon.
Students and instructors say they are dissatisfied with the wireless Internet on campus, citing slow connection speed or no connection at all as the main issues.
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet and network connections.
Students have expressed the hassles the spotty network has caused.
"I can't connect to the Internet wirelessly in Eagleson [dorm]," said freshman nursing major Jolesa Deloatch.
"I ended up missing an online test last week because I wasn't able to access the Internet," added education junior Jarrod Horsey.
NCCU's original wireless network was deployed during the 2005-06 academic year.
What is the problem with the wireless connection?
According to Joel Faison, director of Network Services & Telecommunications, the network was not deployed properly during its initial launch.
In all, he said, 220 wireless access points were deployed and placed in residence halls and academic buildings, but the incorrect launch is the root of the problem.
Currently, academic buildings and residence halls on campus, such as Farrison-Newton Communications Building, have only two wireless access points per floor.
"Access points were placed at two locations in a building. Interference and other factors were not taken into account," said Faison.
The remedy On Feb. 14, Information Technology Services began to convert buildings to the new network.
Currently the highest priority is residence halls, followed by academic buildings, administrative buildings and social hangout areas.
"We want to prepare campus for true wireless networking," said Faison.
In addition to laptops, all mobile devices will be supported with the refresh of the network.
"We're building our network to be robust enough to accommodate all mobile devices," said Faison.
The future of NCCU wireless Equipment for network improvements is already purchased and installation and site surveys are next.
At the completion of the project ITS hopes to have 1,400 access points on campus.
Some buildings will go from as few as eight to upwards of 60 access points.
Chidley North Residence Hall, which opens in the fall, will have more than 100 wireless points.
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