The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has been working with Verizon over the summer to install 15 small network poles across its campus so that it will have Verizon Wireless service, wi-fi connection and security cameras.
According to UNL Facilities Planning and Construction Project Manager Larry Steiger, the small cell technology poles provide network coverage to smaller, densely populated urban areas, such as higher education facilities, reports the Daily Nebraskan. Steiger also said similar poles extend device battery life by reducing power draw from larger antennas that are further away.
The installation, which was entirely funded by Verizon Wireless, began in the summer and is scheduled to conclude next month.
Before Verizon was awarded the project, it had approached UNL with its small cell network proposal. The school then developed a small cell implementation request, which was shared with all of the major cellular carriers.
The university’s IT department worked with Verizon on the fiber pathways and connection design so that the network would benefit both Verizon and UNL.
In addition to improving cell and wi-fi service, Verizon’s small cell network will support the video surveillance system that will be used by UNL’s police department.
Previously, Verizon tapped into the City of Lincoln’s conduit system and fiber to provide more consistent and reliable cell service downtown, particularly during UNL Cornhusker football games, reports the Lincoln Journal Star. The equipment increased bandwidth from 12 megabits per second to 180 megabits per second
The company replaced 30 of the city’s light poles with poles that now hide Verizon’s equipment.
