Improving Internet Connectivity at Bushwise and Beyond: A Post-Upgrade Initiative
After the backbone network upgrade in May 2024, the internet connection at the Southern African Wildlife College campus saw significant improvements. However, not all areas benefitted equally – particularly the Bushwise tents, where inconsistent signal strength remained a challenge.
To address this issue, we launched a focused project aimed at enhancing the network in these areas. This involved installing new devices and tweaking existing configurations to optimize connectivity. As a result, the internet performance in the Bushwise tents improved significantly.
In addition to fixing the Bushwise network, we extended our efforts to the Ranger camp and K9 kennels, where we made similar upgrades to ensure reliable and stable internet access for both staff and guests. These enhancements provided a consistent connection across all key areas, making digital communication and access much smoother for everyone.
These network improvements also provided an excellent learning opportunity for our young IT intern, Sydney Ndhlovu. Below is what she had to say:
“As a young IT intern, I have had the opportunity to work on numerous projects that have significantly enriched my experience. One of my notable projects involved programming and installing Wi-Fi devices at the Ranger Camp and K9 Unit. This project was particularly rewarding as it successfully provided internet connectivity to the sections, which I found both challenging and enjoyable.
In addition to these projects, I have been exposed to database management systems at the College. Here, I worked with Active Directory to manage permissions and control access to network resources. This experience broadened my understanding of computer systems and network management, further developing my skills and perspective in the IT domain.”
In addition to network upgrades, the ICT department has developed a system called the “Asset Register” to manage and track all the technological equipment in the College. This has enabled the documentation of every item, whether it is added or removed from the register thereby transforming how we manage our technological assets. It also helps ensure that our equipment is always up to date and fully monitored.