Networking & Wireless | News
California District Ramps Up 802.11n To Support Mobile Learning
Union School District in San Jose, CA is gutting its old wireless infrastructure and moving to an enterprise-class WLAN to support its mobile computing efforts.
Union SD formally incorporates technology in its mission statement as a means for supporting and enhancing instruction. The district is currently in the process of beefing up its technological capabilities by installing a district-spanning 802.11n network using gear from Aerohive Networks, a company that provides networking technologies for schools.
According to information released by Aerohive and the district, Union SD was previously using a consumer-grade wireless solution that couldn't support increasing needs for bandwidth.
" The results of Union School District's Aerohive deployment have been immediate," said Alan Fillmore, director of technology for Union SD, in a statement released this week "As far as the teachers, instruction is easier and faster. Also, the labs are able to handle 30-plus computers simultaneously in comparison to bygone days when the system maxed out at 10 to 12 clients."
When completed, the network will reach all nine of the Union SD's locations.
The district has also deployed the HiveManager Network Management System from Aerohive for network security. HNMS is a system that centrally manages wireless access points and provides full-time monitoring through a browser-based console.
Union SD serves more than 4,500 students in six elementary schools, two middle schools, and a preschool center. The new WLAN deployment is currently "nearing completion," according to information published today.
About the Author
Executive Producer David Nagel heads up the editorial department for 1105 Media's education publications — which include two daily sites, a variety of newsletters and two monthly digital magazines covering technology in both K-12 and higher education.
A 21-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.
He can be reached at dnagel@1105media.com. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/profile/view?id=10390192 or follow him on Twitter at @THEJournalDave (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education). A selection of David Nagel's articles can be found on this site.