Southern New Hampshire University Deploys Aruba Networks

By Anuradha Shukla

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), a private, coeducational institution located in Manchester, has selected the Aruba Mobile Edge Architecture for a dense campus-wide wireless deployment.

 

The mobile network fulfills SNHU’s mandate to provide network access to every seat in every classroom across campus. Wireless access is also available in the student center, cafeteria, lounge and bookstore.

 

Aruba’s network now delivers mobile wireless to 2,000 undergraduate day students and over 1,000 additional graduate/evening students from more than 23 states and more than 35 different countries.

 

According to Daryl Dreffs, director of computing resources for Southern New Hampshire University, the University implemented a laptop requirement for all students in 2005.

 

Since the University had to provide network access in all of their classrooms it decided to go wireless.

 

Following the deployment, Professors are able to enhance the learning experience by having students use their laptops during class for research and collaboration. As the students and professors are more engaged, there is more interactivity.

 

“This innovation makes SNHU more appealing to both prospective and current students, and enhances the reputation of the university by turning out stronger graduates,” said Dreffs.

 

SNHU wanted a solution that would maximize mobility and provide a strong signal to every corner of every classroom. The University went with the Wireless Grid deployment strategy recommended by Aruba reseller Adaptive Communications.

 

The University was also impressed by Aruba’s security capabilities which ensures that wireless users, including students, faculty and administrators, are authenticated at log on using their Microsoft (News - Alert) Active Directory credentials.

 

Working in conjunction with a Symantec On-Demand Protection Solution, the Aruba Client Integrity Module scans users’ laptops for viruses and compliance with the university’s network access policies.

 

Laptops that do not comply with policies are redirected to a server for remediation before being allowed on the network. Aruba’s integrated Wireless Intrusion (News - Alert) Protection detects and protects against rogue access points and other wireless attacks.

 

In future, SNHU plans to add complete outdoor coverage to provide total campus mobility. Dreffs said that they intend to implement Voice over Wi-Fi (VoFi) to make the staff reachable anywhere on campus.

 

The legacy wireless access points will be replaced with Aruba equipment and all new buildings at SNHU will be part of the wireless network.

 

Based in Sunnyvale, California, Aruba Networks provides an enterprise mobility solution that enables secure access to data, voice and video applications across wireless and wireline enterprise networks.

 

Southern New Hampshire University offers more than 75 undergraduate and 40 graduate degree programs in business, education, hospitality, liberal arts and community economic development.