The Office of Information Technology (OIT) is cutting costs and preparing for the future by initiating the transition of moving faculty and staff desktop computers from hardwired ethernet connections to wireless connectivity.
Traditionally, connecting a desktop computer to the campus network has involved a dedicated ethernet port. Each new port installation costs an area or department about $500. By comparison, a wireless hardware dongle costs only $50.
This tenfold savings makes this shift a clear win for Boise State, while also reducing the need for physical infrastructure upgrades in campus buildings.
“Wireless speeds today are more than sufficient for a majority of our faculty and staff,” said Peter Jurhs, Executive Director, Network Infrastructure and Endpoint Services. “Instead of installing new ethernet ports across campus, we can provide wireless adapters at a fraction of the cost while continuing to provide fast and robust network connectivity.”
Big savings for HR
Pivoting to wireless desktop computer connections is estimated to save the university $45,000 for Human Resources and Workforce Strategy’s upcoming move to their new University Plaza location.
“HR’s move into University Plaza will be significantly more efficient with desktop wireless adapters,” added Jurhs. “This approach also increases flexibility in office layout and design, since desks and computers no longer must be restricted to locations near network ports.”
The university’s recent migration from traditional desktop phones to Zoom One, a modern cloud-based communication platform, has also reduced the demand for wired connections. Since the old phones required ethernet ports, their retirement has further opened the path toward a wireless-first infrastructure.
Exceptions are available for specialized needs. Faculty, and researchers who work with large data sets, or staff producing high-resolution media, may still require a direct ethernet connection to ensure maximum speed and stability. For these use-cases, OIT will continue to offer wired connection options.
Improving campus wireless networking
Boise State’s Classroom Committee survey for the 2024–2025 academic year provided OIT with valuable feedback about wireless connectivity in the Multipurpose Classroom Building.
As an example, many survey respondents said that coverage in certain classrooms wasn’t meeting their needs. In response, OIT carried out a full wireless assessment of the building and invested in new infrastructure to boost coverage as needed.
Your voice matters — we’re committed to listening and working with our campus community to keep making WiFi better, wherever it’s needed most.
Unplugging for a better future
By expanding wireless technologies, Boise State is not only saving money but also ensuring a more flexible and scalable technology environment that can adapt to future needs without significant capital for physical infrastructure.
For example, OIT recently realized significant cost reductions of $30,000 by switching computer labs in Riverfront Hall and the Center for Visual Arts to wireless desktop connectivity.
“Just a year ago, ethernet was still a common requirement for phones and desktops,” said Jurhs. “Today, the vast majority of our workforce can thrive without network cables. The future is wireless at Boise State.”