Campus Wide Wireless for Education

Organization:

Location:

Type of Business:

Products Used:

The Challenge

The Al Ain Education Zone is in the process of implementing an information network for the management & staff members to enhance teaching environments and to improve the standard of education in the sector. A future goal is to provide network access to the students in each class room for access to online educational resources.

Six schools were selected for inclusion in the network. The schools wanted to provide connectivity to the administration, staff and library rooms. A key challenge was then need to extend the network beyond the Ethernet standards (typically 100 meters).

The Solution

InterNetwork Technology designed, demonstrated, and implemented a wireless network for the school system, based on the USRobotics Professional Access Point (AP).

The solution is end-to-end with USRobotics products utilizing the USRobotics 10/100 24-Port Ethernet Switch for wired connections, APs and USRobotics Power over Ethernet Kits. Category 5 standard Ethernet cables interconnect these wired and wireless devices.

The APs were installed in targeted administrative, staff and library locations, configured as Access Points, and also configured in Bridge mode to interconnect the library network to the I.T. room. USRobotics Power over Ethernet Kits were used, so the Ethernet cabling served both as the connection to the network for the APs and provided the power, eliminating the need to install electrical outlets where the APs were placed.

The APs that were configured as wireless Bridges were matched with USRobotics High Gain 14 dBi Panel Directional Antenna, extending the range significantly.

The Benefits

Having experienced the adventure of mobile and still being connected, the I.T. Consultant & Manager are very happy with the quick implementation of the network, and especially with the stability. Interconnecting areas that were beyond the distance limits of traditional Ethernet standard were overcome with the USRobotics wireless alternative. The APs, configured in bridge mode perform the task with maximum throughput. With fewer APs installed than anticipated, the school is energized with wider wireless coverage and strong signal strength.

“USRobotics products, wired and wireless LAN devices, broadband routers and antennas are commonly employed in academic institutions, and play an important role in providing internet access solutions for schools and universities, particularly in the libraries and science labs”, said a senior representative from Al Ain Education Zone.

Copyright© 2009 USRobotics www.usr.com