Author
Gary Mitchell
Director, Higher Education Market Development
Categories
Higher EducationIf modern universities are akin to a small city—complete with residential areas (dorms), a city hall (administrative buildings), and commercial districts (student unions and retail)—then campus libraries function as the information district of these mini-cities. They’re a central repository of knowledge, much like a city’s historical archives or main library.
Today’s campus library has evolved significantly since Benjamin Franklin created the first one in 1731. Since then, this institution has arguably benefited the most from IT technology and Wi-Fi® connectivity advancements. Libraries are no longer just depots of books and periodicals. Instead, they’ve become multimedia hubs where students stream educational videos, download ebooks, and connect to online databases and the archives. Collaborative spaces and group study rooms demand smooth video conferencing, while quiet study zones call for silent but strong connections.
Yes, you will still find floors that contain stacks of volumes and collections. And although the Dewey Decimal System is still widely utilized, those 3x5 paper cards of old are now electronic records. What’s more, most collections of microfiche and film reels have been digitized and are accessible through electronic repositories—so data and article collection for research projects that previously required days and weeks to perform can now be completed in a single visit to the library. But they demand extensive bandwidth.
As if that’s not enough to challenge the existing Wi-Fi, campus libraries are often built with thick walls and also feature walls of books, which are notorious for absorbing or reflecting wireless signals, causing severe attenuation. Plus, with the need to maintain historic aesthetics, libraries typically limit cabling and access point (AP) placement, which can hamper signal strength. The need for a robust, pervasive network regardless of crowd size also presents another considerate obstacle. This unique challenge can strain any network when the library population can grow from hundreds to a multitude of thousands—especially during exam week. These are real issues that cannot be ignored.
Fortunately, RUCKUS® solutions thrive in high-capacity, high-density environments. Since our APs feature our exclusive BeamFlex+® adaptive antenna technology, RUCKUS networks can connect more users per AP, which also translates to fewer APs needed per deployment compared to the competition.
In a recent real-world PoC test at Taiwan’s National Chengchi University, a single RUCKUS R760 Wi-Fi 6E access point proved it could simultaneous connect up to 350 users and support data upload and download speeds peaking at nearly 300 Mbps. In a side-by-side comparison of network solutions on another campus-city, India’s 1,300-acre Amrita University was also able to experience first-hand how RUCKUS APs’ powerful antennas were able to reach farther and penetrate walls better compared to our competitors.
Luckily, you don’t have to travel across oceans to attain the benefits of RUCKUS higher education solutions. U.S. institutions like Del Mar College and Butler University likewise saw positive dramatic differences following their campus network refresh using RUCKUS Networks.
But don’t just take our word for it. See for yourself how RUCKUS Networks solutions are not only high-performing but also sustainable and economical. Ask our HiED experts for your personal demonstration.
Learn more how RUCKUS helps design better networks for colleges and universities.
