Internet Connectivity Update - August 15, 2018 at 11.00am

Harding's internet connectivity is not operational. The problem, the root problem, is deeply buried somewhere. However, we now have some positive leads to follow.

We are going to be turning off the wireless access points in the dorms. A lot of loops (the term I heard is Mac Flapping) are occurring and it seems to be coming from the access points in the dorms. After they are shut down, we are going to upgrade the access points and switches in the dorms. Just to confound this issue, one of our switch manufacturers distributed a bad patch for their switches. We will have to undo that in the process.

This also means that there will be no wireless connectivity in the dorms - right when freshman are moving in! Dormnet assistants will be in the freshman dorms during this time to help those moving in to be set up as best we can.

We are hoping that with the dorms offline, the rest of the campus will be able to operate effectively. We are aware of what is happening around campus at this time of the year and will be doing all we can to make sure you can all take care of business.

We all want to know how long this is going to take. I really wish I could give you a definite time when everything will be back and running just like it was last week. However, that is not possible at this stage. We are really striving to get it up as soon as possible and in the meantime have as much up and running as possible.

Recently we have moved to a full VoIP phone system. Our old switch was on its 'last legs' and we needed to move. However, this means our phones are also on our data networks. That is why your desk phone is not working when the internet connectivity is down. It also means that the main campus number is not available. We will be putting a message on our web page shortly telling people how to contact us, especially some of the key offices on campus such as Admissions and Public Safety.

That is the latest. I will let you know more as I know more.

Thank you all again for your kind and understanding messages, and prayers at this time.