Aruba Networks to deliver improved Wi-Fi connectivity

The entire campus community will soon notice improved Wi-Fi connectivity as a result of the University’s new wireless vendor, Aruba Networks and the company’s new “Wave 2” access point technology.

Mike Carlin, vice chancellor for information technology and CIO for the University, along with other ITS leaders, carefully vetted different wireless solutions to select the most appropriate option for the state’s urban research institution.

“Like most universities, we have seen an explosion in Wi-Fi usage on campus with the influx of ‘GenMobile,’ whose members have a strong preference for mobility in the devices they use and their ‘anytime, anywhere’ approach to schoolwork and entertainment,” said Carlin. “After months of testing and evaluating wireless vendors for the campus, we chose Aruba.”

According to Carlin, “Students today carry an average of three devices on campus.” He stated that figure will climb as wearables grow in popularity.

Computer science student Bill Moll decided to research the University’s new wireless vendor. “After reading more about Aruba, I’m interested in the changes because it’s bringing the latest in Wi-Fi technology, so it will bring the biggest and strongest network to campus, using 802.11 AC (Wave 2) Wi-Fi. This should increase reliability, and therefore increase students’ ability to use the Wi-Fi on campus.”

Bret Wood, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, is eager for this expansion. “In my smaller courses, all of the students use tablet technology for app-based learning, shared communications, on-the-fly presentations, quizzing and testing. A robust Wi-Fi network is critical to enabling these classroom innovations and improving student learning.”

Once Aruba was selected as a result of the competitive bidding process, the company donated $106,000 worth of its wireless technology to the University. “We are deeply appreciative of Aruba’s support on our campus,” said Niles Sorensen, vice chancellor of the Division of University Advancement. “As our student population has grown, the demand on the campus Wi-Fi infrastructure has grown exponentially. Aruba’s support will help us meet student needs now and into the future.” It was installed quickly in one of the highest-density areas on campus, the Student Union.

Thirty-one of the University’s approximate 90 buildings are receiving the upgrades through spring 2016. Campus ITS leaders anticipate more buildings will be upgraded as funding becomes available. Buildings were chosen based on several factors, including population density, usage and construction (building makeup can affect installation cost and complexity). The complete, estimated phased schedule can be found online.

Aruba’s technology solutions provide the campus with a stable, robust framework and future possibilities – one example being the company’s wayfinding Beacon system.

The NFL’s San Francisco 49ers installed it last year, and team fans can download an app onto their smartphone or iPad that connect to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth “pucks” that work as a personal navigation system throughout the entire stadium.

“With our new Aruba infrastructure, there are a host of exciting new possibilities for enhancing the overall on-campus experience for our students, faculty and guests,” said Carlin.