The demands of a school’s wireless network are like no other
Classrooms of users trying to gain access simultaneously can create a demand that many networks can’t cope with and that’s if the wireless coverage is capable of reaching every classroom in the first place. Add to that the issue of security and you can see why a school’s wireless network struggles to make the grade.
The way today’s school children are learning is evolving. Lessons are now more interactive via Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as laptops, tablets and whiteboards. But the flood of these devices has highlighted a problem for many schools... their wireless network.
High Density Problem
At the start of each lesson a school’s access points are bombarded by users trying to log on to the wireless network in order to gain the materials for the lesson. But a lot of the time the network can’t cope and this leaves half the classroom including the teacher waiting.
So instead of enriching learning through new and exciting content, the wireless network has caused a disruption to the lesson plan and the children’s learning. When a teacher reverts back to their conventional textbook, it does leave you asking whether it was worth investing in all the technology in the first place.
High Density Solution
The high density problem which paralyses networks at the start of lessons can be eliminated with Ruckus’ ZoneFlex™ system. The ZoneFlex™ system allows classrooms of users access to a single access point at the same time whilst providing each user with enough bandwidth to access the content they need for that lesson.
Ruckus achieve this via patented technology, that allows the system to get users on and off the wireless network quickly, ensuring hundreds of users can access a single access point that delivers reliable fast Wi-Fi connectivity.
But as some schools have found out, it’s no good having a wireless network which can deal with high density if those users can’t access the wireless because the coverage simply doesn’t reach.
Coverage Problem
Another problem which can plague a school’s network is poor or non-existing coverage to certain parts of the school campus. With the majority of school campuses now being made up of old, dense buildings as well as new buildings, wireless signals can struggle to reach the user’s device. This means if a user is able to log onto the network they might experience the wireless signal drop off if they move around a classroom or a school campus.
And it’s not just wireless networks which struggle in older buildings. Installing Ethernet cabling is difficult due to the thicker ceilings and floors.
A solution to wireless coverage problems is installing numerous access points around the school to ensure strong and reliable coverage but this can be a very expensive solution, especially when the school campus is vast.
Wireless signals can struggle to reach the user’s device
Coverage Solution
Ruckus solves the problem of poor coverage in two parts. Firstly Ruckus’ engineers create a Heat Map of a school’s campus. A Heat Map signal displays where the wireless reaches on a school’s campus, highlighting any potential obstacles. From this map the engineer can work out how many access points are needed and where they need to be positioned.
The second part of the solution is Ruckus’ BeamFlex™ technology. Using the data collected from the heat map the BeamFlex™ technology directs the signal towards the teacher or pupil, using the best path available, even directing the signal around the obstacles highlighted by the heat map. So a school’s campus is covered by the wireless network virtually anywhere… even outside. All this is done using far fewer access points, but providing two to four times the coverage.
Security Problem
When it comes to a school’s wireless network, security can pose a problem if there’s only one wireless network available to all. The problem arises when the wireless network can’t distinguish between the different types of users because they’re all on the same network. Instead of restricting access to some, it might restrict access to all or it might not restrict access at all, so pupils could gain access to test papers, teacher’s folders and more sensitive information.
And with the Bring Your Own Device initiative on the increase, users are more likely to be using their device unsupervised, so it’s important that staff have a separate network from pupils and guests.
The wireless network can't distinguish between the different types of users.
Security Solution
Having Wi-Fi coverage in every nook and cranny is great when it’s being used by the right people for the right reasons but there will be times when users try to gain access to files they shouldn’t.
Ruckus ZoneDirector technology keeps a school’s wireless network secure by only allowing authorised users onto the network. Once a user has been authorised they’re given their own unique key and network settings for their device.
Ruckus has the ability to create multiple networks so users can be given accessibility rights. This means staff can have a separate network which only their devices can access.
Bonuses of Ruckus
As well as solving the main problems which schools encounter with their wireless network, Ruckus also has other benefits for a school.
Some school’s campuses can be kilometres apart which means that they have to pay for a fixed broadband line for each site. This can be expensive to both implement and maintain with recurring costs.
Ruckus’ solution to this problem is high-performance bridges that can offer up to 50 Mbps at 8km. This solution effectively eliminates these recurring costs allowing that part of the budget to be invested in other departments.
Ruckus Wireless products are tailor made solutions which are ideal for schools. If you’d like to discover more information about Ruckus Wireless and what it can do for you, call your BT Business Direct account manager or our sales team on 0870 429 3941
