University’s Servers Struggle :: Wessex Scene Online

University’s Servers Struggle

Too many wires! (photo: William Hook)

26th December 2009
Jessica Fuhl

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We take a look at what the University is doing to fasten up our internet access

After weeks of unreliable internet access at Hartley library, the University’s has admitted that their servers are unable to cope with the amount of students connecting online every day on campus.

A representative of iSolutions, the University’s provider of computing facilities, has admitted that something needs to be done. When asked about when the internet will be consistently working throughout the day at Hartley library, he said: ‘if you’re looking for reliable, stable internet I’m not too sure…I think we might get another server but I don’t know when’. He continued, ‘the system is due to be replaced, we originally weren’t depending on so many students using it.’

The response will not be appreciated by many students frustrated with the erratic internet connection on campus. Third-year Politics student Jo Shipley explains the difficulties of not being able to access the internet at the library. She said: ‘It’s really awkward to plan your day around working at the library, and lug your laptop and books up to campus to realise that you can’t get most of what you want done because you can’t get online.’

She continued: ‘It’s frustrating because there are a lot of important deadlines in your third year, and a lot of the time I have to work at Hartley instead of home because I need to use short-loan books for my dissertation. Surely being able to have internet access at the library is something that is imperative for students?’

The university has been experiencing problems with the wireless connection on campus since the end of the last academic year. Most students visiting at peak times have found themselves unable to access the internet. Certain areas – such as the top floor - seem only able to provide a connection at off-peak times.

Currently, the university uses six servers to provide internet access across campus, including over 1,400 library seats at Hartley.

The representative at iSolutions has recommended that students try using a network cable to reach an internet connection at Hartley, as this uses a different system to the wireless connections. He also added: ‘the University’s server is split across the campus, only half of which is located on the library side of University road.’ He recommended that if students would like to access a better internet connection on campus, then to use the Murray building or the University’s Student Union.

The advice will not reassure students of the University, particularly as end of semester deadlines loom. Furthermore, as exams approach, the Hartley library sees a significant increase in students visiting every day. How will the University’s network cope then? Jo Shipley echoes students’ opinion across the University when she says ‘more needs to be done’.