Cisco has signed a multi-year partnership with Georgetown University to modernize the university’s campus network, marking one of the most extensive Wi-Fi 7 deployments seen so far in the higher education sector.
The project will see Wi-Fi 7 rolled out across Georgetown’s classrooms, residence halls, athletic facilities and common areas, covering both the Hilltop and Capitol campuses. By enabling access to all available wireless spectrums, including the 6 GHz band, the upgrade is designed to support rising demand from digital learning platforms, research workloads and an increasingly device-heavy campus environment.
University officials said the investment is aimed at building a future-ready network that can handle real-time collaboration, cloud-based learning tools and data-intensive research. Faster speeds and lower latency are expected to improve everyday connectivity for students and staff, while researchers working with AI models and large datasets gain the ability to move and analyze data securely from anywhere on campus.
Beyond wireless access, the deployment includes Cisco’s latest enterprise switching and network management tools. These systems provide automation and advanced analytics that give IT teams real-time visibility into performance and usage, helping the university optimize network operations and address issues before they affect users.
Security is another focus of the campus refresh. Georgetown is adopting a layered security architecture using Cisco’s portfolio, including multi-factor authentication, end-to-end network visibility and security analytics, to protect academic systems and sensitive research data.
As part of the broader collaboration, Cisco will also support Georgetown’s “Hoya Forward” initiative, a January-focused platform that brings together events such as the Hoya Hackathon and other programs centered on innovation, technology skills and career readiness.
The Georgetown partnership follows Cisco’s recent work with Monumental Sports and Entertainment on the ongoing transformation of Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. The venue, home to Georgetown University’s men’s basketball team, is being upgraded with advanced networking technologies, including Wi-Fi 7 and digital experience monitoring tools.
With universities under pressure to support hybrid learning, AI research and always-connected campuses, large-scale Wi-Fi 7 deployments like Georgetown’s are emerging as a key indicator of how quickly higher education networks are evolving beyond traditional connectivity.
RAJANI BABURAJAN
