Western Sydney Uni to roll out 802.11ac Wi-Fi

University plans for 100,000 concurrently connected devices

Western Sydney University is set to embark on a two-year deployment of 802.11ac Wi-Fi across its campuses.

The rollout will replace existing 802.11n wireless networking infrastructure, said Kerry Holling, the university’s chief information officer.

“Our existing wireless solution was listed as end of life,” the CIO said.

“At the same time, our strategy has required that we deliver more and more media-rich content to our students and faculty wirelessly (e.g. A/V and remote classroom experience). These necessitated a look at ensuring that our wireless infrastructure could satisfy these needs.”

“We are seeing a significant growth in the prevalence of wireless devices, with a typical user having two to three devices that are connected whenever they are on campus,”

“To cater for this, we have scoped our environment to allow for over 100,000 concurrently connected devices,” Holling said.

The university currently comprises six campuses, with a seventh — One Parramatta Square — under construction.

“We need to assure our users that they will get the same experience irrespective of which campus they are attending,” Holling said.

The university selected Ruckus Wireless and BigAir Group for the rollout.

WSU will deploy 802.11ac Wave 2 wireless access points.

“Reliable, high speed Wi-Fi is becoming critical for universities, which are challenged by the proliferation of mobile devices on campus and increasing demand for online education content,” Ruckus Wireless ANZ managing director Pat Devlin said in a statement.

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Tags NetworkingWi-Fi802.11acwireless networkingRuckus WirelessWestern Sydney University

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