Add as a preferred source on Google


Washington District Upgrades Wireless Network

Ocean Beach School District in Washington has rolled out a new wireless network, replacing a previous 802.11n network that reportedly failed to deliver interoperability with the district's legacy laptop systems.

The new network is based around hardware from Aruba Networks and is designed to oprate on the 2.4 GHz band to support the district's older laptops, which use 802.11g. It's also designed to cut back on dropped connections, which had been a problem with the district's previous installation.

“Our experience highlights that there remain significant differences between wireless LAN vendors, and the proof comes not in the marketing materials but the real-world deployments,” said Tom Thompson, network administrator for Ocean Beach SD, in a statement released this week. “We tried in vain for months to make our previous 802.11n system work properly but simply could not obtain service in the 2.4GHz band. Also, our users experienced dropped laptop and Wi-Fi enabled phone connections as they roamed from classroom to classroom. Those issues disappeared after we switched to Aruba. The network has performed flawlessly from the day it was commissioned, and because of ARM adding an access point could not be simpler--hook it up and it works.”

The upgrade was completed during the spring semester.

Ocean Beach School District serves students in two elementary schools and one combination middle school and high school.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • cloud with binary code and technology imagery

    Hybrid and AI Expansion Outpacing Cloud Security

    A survey from the Cloud Security Alliance and Tenable finds that rapid adoption of hybrid, multi-cloud and AI systems is outpacing the security measures meant to protect them, leaving organizations exposed to preventable breaches and identity-related risks.

  • teacher typing on a computer in a classroom on the left and a smiling parent using a smartphone on the right

    4 Keys to Building Stronger School Home Connections

    K–12 leaders know that strong family engagement drives student success. It leads to better achievement, fewer behavior issues, stronger relationships between schools and families, and a more positive learning environment.

  • hand holding globe and environmental icons in front of a green background

    CoSN, SETDA, UDT Release Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Technology Purchasing

    CoSN and SETDA, in partnership with IT and telecommunications solution provider UDT, recently released a set of Sustainability Procurement Guidelines designed to help K-12 school and district leaders, procurement officers, and technology directors make purchasing decisions that are both environmentally responsible and operationally effective.

  • students raising their hands and participating in a classroom discussion

    Report Explores Link Between Student Engagement and Learning

    Over 90% of teachers, principals, and superintendents agree that student engagement is a critical metric for understanding overall achievement, according to a new survey report from Discovery Education.