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WSU Chosen to Host High-Speed Internet Facility for Kansas

Graphic illustrating where the IXP will be located on the Wichita State University campus. Image provide by Wichita State University.

Posted November 29, 2023

Wichita State University has been chosen to implement the state’s first Internet Exchange Point (IXP) providing fast and secure internet across the campus and greater Kansas.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly made the announcement as well as providing a $5 million grant to fund the construction of the facility. The facility will be owned and operated by Connected Nation Internet Exchange Points (CNIXP) LLC and will be the only IXP facility in the nation to be located on a university campus.

For the next 40 years, CNIXP will provide service and available space to operate the IXP for no cost, according to a release.

“A connected community is a stronger community,” WSU President Rick Muma said. “A carrier-neutral IXP located in the heart of Kansas at Wichita State will build bridges of connectivity and access to meet the ever-evolving demands of education and commerce to all Kansans.”

The IXP site is still awaiting approval from the Kansas Board of Regents. If approved, the IXP will be located at the northwest corner of East 21st Street North and Fountain Avenue, directly across from WSU’s Eck Stadium.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2024 and will take approximately 18 months.