Bandwidth Information from ITS

Stretching our Bandwidth

If you’ve noticed occasional slow responses from Tarleton State University’s internet service, there’s a reason. The university is approaching the limits of its bandwidth capacity.

Tarleton has increased its capacity by at least 50 percent annually for the last five years to accommodate the growing number of computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones on campus. Those devices recently have been joined by smart watches, appliances, games and an array of other devices that collect and transfer data — all consuming bandwidth.

In recent months, members of the Tarleton community have been using 90 percent or more of the university’s bandwidth on a regular basis. The start of the Fall semester will compound the issue. Help is on the way, according to Tarleton’s Information Technology Services.

“The university has purchased additional bandwidth that will more than double Tarleton’s current capacity,” said Chief Information Officer Becky Gray. “Additional hardware will also be installed to meet the demand for bandwidth.”

In the meantime, all those using the university’s internet — which includes the Fort Worth, Waco and Midlothian centers as well as the Agriculture Center — may experience slower internet service during peak usage periods. The residence halls are on a separate system and will not be affected.

Key university systems such as Blackboard and Banner (My Gateway and Degree Works) receive priority access to bandwidth, and those systems should see minimal impact.

Stress on Tarleton’s bandwidth is temporary, and members of the ITS team are expected to complete system upgrades over the Fall semester.