Technology and networking hardware company Cisco Systems Inc. has contributed equipment and technical services to North Carolina Central University to enhance the university’s ongoing $5 million campus network upgrade.
The network improvements will assure a faster and more robust internet service throughout campus, as well as lower power consumption requirements, and have been a strategic priority for Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye.
“Cisco’s gift will support the expansion of our campus network infrastructure and growing use of technology by the university community,” Akinleye said. “As our longstanding partner in education, we are grateful for this donation and the optimum service that Cisco continually provides to North Carolina Central University.”
The upgrade will bring seamless Wi-Fi service to into classrooms and other learning spaces, research facilities, residence halls and administrative offices, as more than 3,000 new wireless access points are installed.
“Cisco recognized the investment that the university was making and that this project was a priority for student success,” said Leah Kraus, NCCU’s chief information officer. “This network overhaul should have taken multiple years to complete, but Cisco’s contributions shortened it to a one-year project, which we certainly appreciate.”
Cisco has supported the university with previous networking initiatives, including a network refresh in 2011 and the 2016 conversion to Cisco’s Voice over Internet Protocol.
“We are excited about the opportunity to once again partner on your 2018-19 network refresh and design,” said Scott Aaron, director of sales operations for Cisco.
