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AU goes wireless

(left to right) : Network Engineer, Mr. Wisdom Machacha tests the strength of wireless signals outside the Jokomo/Yamada Library; Machacha surrounded by WAP units in his office.Students using laptop under a tree;

ICT unit instals cutting-edge technology, improves e-learning capacity Africa University “went wireless” on 20 February with the launch of several Wireless Access Points (WAPs) around the campus. The WAP installations are part of an ongoing multi-billion dollar upgrade of campus ICT
infrastructure. Students can now access the Internet using their laptops in the halls of residence and on the grounds. A total of eight WAPs have been strategically placed to increase
access to the Internet and reduce demand for the fixednetwork points. The move also reduces maintenace
requirements (of the fixed network points) and congestion in the labs.
The WAPs are mounted in the Kwang Lim Chapel, ICT Centre, Agriculture and Humanities building, J. Lawrence McCleskey Faculty of Theology building, Faculty of Health Sciences building, Bishop Emilio J M deCarvalho Wing (Administration Block), Jokomo/Yamada

Library and the residence halls. The ICT unit hopes that improved access will enhance
the quality of students’ research and overall utilisation of learning resources on the Internet.
can make a difference as far as delivery of knowledge to the students is concerned,” said Mr. Wisdom Machacha, the University’s Network Engineer. “Going wireless brings
all the available electronic resources to the student anywhere on the campus, even under a tree!’
Business student, Tendai Zirema, described the change as bringing a new freedom and sense of innovation tolearning at Africa University.

“We’ll leave here with a greater level of comfort and knowledge of state-of-the-art communications technology and that can only enhance our marketability,” said Mr. Victor Babbage, an education student who is due to graduate in June. Technology improvements on campus are continuing. Electronic whiteboards and other e-learning facilities are due to be installed in the ICT laboratories in March.