Wi-Fi Optimization

Image of the UT Austin Campus with the wifi symbol.

What is Wi-Fi Optimization?

A campus-wide initiative to strengthen wireless coverage and create a more consistent experience for teaching, research, and operations — building a strong, sustainable wireless foundation for the future.

Why It Matters

Reliable wireless reduces disruptions to teaching and research, enables a “Wi-Fi first” approach, and supports long-term cost avoidance across campus.

Contact the Team  View Building Tracker

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Initiative Objectives

A systematic, campus-wide effort organized around four core objectives.

  1. Conduct Wi‑Fi coverage surveys across campus buildings to identify coverage deficiencies.
  2. Create wireless designs that support optimal coverage and capacity.
  3. Implement recommended designs in all E&G (Education and General) spaces.
  4. Develop recommended designs for auxiliary spaces for future funding consideration.
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Key Benefits

  • Improved Reliability – Improved wireless reliability, reducing disruptions to teaching, research, and daily operations.
  • “Wi-Fi First” Approach – Enablement of a “Wi-Fi first” network approach, supporting long-term cost avoidance.
  • A Modern Foundation – A modern wireless foundation to support future technologies and evolving security needs.

 

A Multiyear, Phased Effort

The Wi-Fi Optimization initiative is phased to address the highest-impact spaces first. Scheduling factors in current Wi-Fi coverage, impact to teaching and research, and accessibility of space in light of construction and operational activities.

~ Phase dates are approximate, targeted timeframes and may shift as the rollout proceeds.

PHASE 1

Highest-Impact Spaces

~ Sept 2026 – Aug 2027


75 Buildings

PHASE 2

Continued Rollout

~ Sept 2027 – Aug 2028


53 Buildings

PHASE 3

Campus Completion

~ Sept 2028 – Aug 2029

101 Buildings

Building Tracker

229 buildings are scheduled across the three phases. Track each building’s survey, installation, and validation status.             View Building Tracker

What to Expect

Each building moves through three stages. Activities are scheduled in advance and communicated to building contacts.

STAGE 1

Survey / Design

Enterprise Technology staff will be conducting a combination of site surveys and remote assessment to validate coverage and performance.

STAGE 2

Installation

Installation crews will be on-site installing cables and wireless access points to ceilings. Activities will be scheduled in advance and may involve brief, localized disruption to wireless networking and installation-related noise. Accessibility to areas will not generally be impacted.

STAGE 3

Validation

Enterprise Technology staff will be on-site conducting scheduled site surveys to validate coverage and performance.

A Collaborative Initiative

Wi-Fi Optimization is a collaborative initiative supported by multiple Enterprise Technology and campus teams, including:

University Operations

Planning, Design and Construction

Environmental Health and Safety

Campus Technical Support Contacts & Building Managers