History of the infrastructure upgrade project (EzraNet)
As a first step toward upgrading the infrastructure, Cornell conducted a pilot rewiring project in 2001-02 involving five buildings with different purposes and architectural types: Myron Taylor Hall, Goldwin Smith Hall, Gannett Health Center, Low-Rise 8, and Warren Hall.
Site surveys showed specific problems with the telecommunication infrastructure in each building. Some problems identified were limitations imposed by the type of cabling installed, lack of sufficient space in the telecommunications closets to house advanced electronics and the desired upgraded wiring systems, and lack of security, emergency power, and appropriate HVAC systems.
The project, dubbed the "Telecommunication Infrastructure Enhancement (TIE) - Pilot Project," gave the university a deeper understanding of the costs and processes necessary to upgrade the infrastructure on a university-wide scale. It also gave Cornell's own staff the experience needed to plan and carry out such a massive task, creating an invaluable resource of in-house knowledge and skill.
In March 2003, the Board of Trustees approved a feasibility report presented by Cornell Information Technologies. Soon after, a Project Approval Request (PAR) was created for the first EzraNet project, Upson/Grumman Halls, which was completed in December 2004.
The EzraNet program is anticipated to be complete approximately 14 years from when it was approved in March 2003.