After starting off as a simple way to provide users with access to internet resources, WiFi networks have evolved to become an important communications cornerstone for a growing number of academic institutions. Not only have colleges been working to make these networks available across their entire campuses (or at least pretty close to 100 percent available), but wireless communications also have begun to emerge as a primary mode of carrying video and voice transmissions. As a result, WiFi network usage is becoming as common as wired connections on some campuses. While making dramatic inroads, the technology's evolution has encountered a number of significant hurdles, a few of which vendors still need to clear: First, in order for WiFi networks to span campuses, their management functions need to be enhanced, a step that has already taken place. Next, to carry video transmissions, their throughput needs to be upgraded to higher speeds, something that is still a work in progress. Finally, to support voice communications, they need to be able to allocate bandwidth in a more granular manner, another task still evolving. Bottom line? Though imperfect, WiFi has become a primary networking option for many academic institutions. This article takes a look at the dramatic change in the way academic institutions are using WiFi networks.