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

  • abstract pattern of cybersecurity, ai and cloud imagery

    Report Identifies Malicious Use of AI in Cloud-Based Cyber Threats

    A recent report from OpenAI identifies the misuse of artificial intelligence in cybercrime, social engineering, and influence operations, particularly those targeting or operating through cloud infrastructure. In "Disrupting Malicious Uses of AI: June 2025," the company outlines how threat actors are weaponizing large language models for malicious ends — and how OpenAI is pushing back.

  • school building split in half, with one side collapsing into a dark hole

    Office of Educational Technology, National Center for Education Statistics Fall Victim to ED Cuts

    The U.S. Department of Education has announced cuts of nearly half of its staff, numbering more than 1,300 workers, according to AP reporting. While official details on the cuts are not available, early commentary on LinkedIn has revealed drastic cuts in the areas of educational technology and data.

  • Stylized illustration showing cybersecurity elements like shields, padlocks, and secure cloud icons on a neutral, minimalist digital background

    Microsoft Announces Host of Security Advancements

    Microsoft has announced major cybersecurity advancements across its product portfolio and practices. The work is part of its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), a multiyear cybersecurity transformation the company calls the largest engineering project in company history.

  • elementary school building with children outside, overlaid by a glowing data network and transparent graphs

    Toward a Holistic Approach to Data-Informed Decision-Making in Education

    With increasing access to data and powerful analytic tools, the temptation to reduce educational outcomes to mere numbers is strong. However, educational leadership demands a more holistic and thoughtful approach.