EC News DeskThe Knowledge Hub Universities, TKH, a multidisciplinary educational hub has deployed wired and wireless networking technology from Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company. The solution enables utilisation of the latest digital learning tools and connected campus security systems. It offers a convenient Guest Portal for rapid, secure and controlled internet access and enables users with seamless roaming across the campus. Network performance issues or negative feedback from staff and students have been eliminated and the system enables seamless centralised management of networks across the entire campus.
Starting with the first phase consisting of different buildings with more than 60 classrooms, 20 lecture halls & workshops and 250 staff offices as well as recreational facilities and common areas, TKH worked closely with Aruba to implement Layer 3 switching and wireless Access Points, APs.
To deliver secure access for professors and admin staff while providing convenient wireless connectivity for visitors and guests, and to facilitate bring your own device, BYOD, for students in a controlled and uncompromisingly secure manner, the University implemented Aruba ClearPass. TKH also decided to leverage Airwave Network Management to centrally monitor and manage the entire network so that the quality and integrity of services could be maintained at consistently high levels.
To deliver its digitally oriented curriculum, TKH makes use of several digital tools including a Learning Management System, LMS. TKH is already in discussion with Aruba to extend the network for the upcoming phase of the project which will involve expansion into a further five buildings.
“We needed exceptional wireless coverage across the entire campus,” said Hossam Ismail, IT Network Lead. “To protect the digital identities and activities of our students and staff, security was also a key requirement and Aruba was a clear industry leader in both these areas.”
“The Aruba solution allows students and staff to have seamless, uninterrupted access to these essential learning tools. Moreover, through orchestrated and automated user and devices authentication via ClearPass, they can use these applications on their own personal devices which greatly aids adoption and utilisation,” said Ismail.
