Wireless enables all spaces within a school – in range of a Wireless Access Point – to become a learning space. Wireless can also increase student access to network resources outside of regular class time, during breaks and after school, reducing constraints on timetabling. Alongside of this student ownership and use of mobile devices continues to increase as costs of wireless enabled Netbooks and IP phones continue to drop. This is creating an exciting environment where the vision of 1:1 computing could be reached quite quickly.
The current school network upgrade and national broadband enablement programme will provide an opportunity for schools to upgrade their networks and a WLAN (wireless network) should be considered as part of this process. Integrating a WLAN into the wired network will reduce the number of wired data outlets required in the room. Providing wireless connectivity to areas of the school that can most benefit from this type of access is a sound way to get started. Areas where there can be a number of access devices such as staff workrooms, the library, designated classrooms and student common room areas are ideal targets.
In looking for a wireless solution the broad characteristics of a WLAN to look for include:
How good are the security and user authentication systems?
Aruba Networks has pioneered a new approach to network designs that lowers costs and delivers increased user productivity. Instead of purchasing, installing and supporting multiple wired network ports for every user, Aruba offers high performance 802.11n wireless networks as a least cost access method. This new paradigm of a “Right-sized” network edge relies on the principle of switching wireless-capable devices and temporary locations to 802.11n wireless access, thereby reducing the need for building and upgrading expensive wired networks.
Aruba has even taken the guess work out of estimated savings by creating a “rightsizing calculator” that will show projected savings from rightsizing your network. The calculator models the cost savings associated with migrating users to wireless as their primary form of network access. Since 20% to 60% of users in higher education rely on laptops, netbooks, smart PDAs, or some other form of Wi-Fi enabled mobile computer, the transition to wireless access will deliver instant savings.
Ruckus Zoneflex 2942 (802.11a/b/g) and 7942 (802.11a/b/g/Draft n) Access Points*
Please note the following:
* Assumes suitable network connection location/s for Access Point. Fax / email your school network map to New Era IT for free preliminary network audit.
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