Empowering Education with Robust Connectivity: Kentucky State University’s Success Story of Upgrading the Fiber Optic Network Backbone

"This investment in our network infrastructure is a critical step forward for KSU.  It not only provides our students and faculty with a high-quality educational experience, but it also positions us as a leading institution in technology advancements.” 

Wendy Dixie | Vice President Information Technology, Kentucky State University 

The Challenge:

The Hidden Challenge: Modernizing KSU's Aging Fiber Optic Network 

It's hidden from view, tucked away underground and behind campus walls, but the importance of a university's network infrastructure cannot be denied. And when that network is 20+ years old and daisy-chained between buildings with no redundancy, it poses a significant risk of catastrophic failure.  

Dr. Wendy Dixie, Vice President of Information Technology at Kentucky State University (KSU), found herself facing that situation at Kentucky State University.  As she explained, "We understood that to be resilient, to be available 99.99% of the time, we must build an environment and infrastructure that supports that." 

KSU recognized the importance of a strong infrastructure to support their academic and technological goals. Dr. Dixie emphasized, "Our strategy is to ensure that we are providing affordable access, student success, sustainable environments, and transformative engagements." To achieve this, it was essential to address the outdated fiber optic network backbone that had been in place for over 20 years. 

With most campus buildings connected by a single Multi-Mode fiber optic connection, the connectivity speeds were limited, unable to meet the growing demand for online access and digital resources. The lack of redundancy in the network further put services at risk. 

Additionally, Dr. Dixie recalled, "The number of devices students connect to Wi-Fi has grown from 1-2 up to 10 everything connects, from phones to Echo Dots, iPads and even more." This escalating demand for connectivity necessitates increased bandwidth. 

C1 has been a trusted partner of the university for over four years, providing support for various projects such as wiring in campus buildings and replacing core equipment. Given their established relationship, it was a natural progression for KSU to turn to C1 once again to address the next phase of their technological evolution. 

The Solution:

C1 Infrastructure Experience Powered with Extreme Networks Paves the Way for Next-Gen Learning 

The Result:

KSU Achieves Success with C1 and Extreme Fiber Implementation

The collaboration between KSU, C1, and Extreme Networks has yielded significant results. The project was completed two months ahead of schedule, allowing KSU to promptly provide improved network access to its students. 

In the residence halls, access points have been strategically placed in every room, rather than their previous hallway locations that often led to dropped connections. There has been a 220% increase in coverage for the campus. Student satisfaction surveys and town hall meetings have generated no complaints regarding internet speed or access. 

With the modern infrastructure, KSU can now focus on its strategic goals, including the launch of the KSU online program. Dr. Dixie highlighted the impact on the educational experience, noting, "Outages have virtually disappeared. If one were to occur, we’d be able to determine where it is and take care of it immediately because of the way the topology is now set." 

"To have a relationship and trusted partner who really cares about the outcome and the organization is very important to me,” said Dixie. “I have the highest regard for my C1 and Extreme client executives and their teams, and the changes we've had over the years.”