Xirrus Issues Common Core Wi-Fit Bundle

A major wireless network gear company has released a Wi-Fi bundle specifically targeted at school districts preparing for the Common Core online assessments, which will be implemented in most states during the 2014-2015 school year. Xirrus' $2,500 Common Core Wi-Fi kit includes the XR-2425, a four-radio wireless array; a tripod; a power-over-Ethernet injector; and software to manage the wireless network.

On its site, the company claims that one Xirrus array can service a computer lab or multiple classrooms of students testing at one time. Because the gear is modular, it can be moved from room to room or school to school.

The XR-2425 has four 802.11n radios and a maximum bandwidth capacity of 1.2 gigabits per second on 11n. The maximum number of "associated users" is 960.

"Cajon Valley Union School District has understood the need for and been keenly focused on developing robust wireless infrastructure for several years. The new method of Common Core testing has underscored that need," said Charles Allen, director of IT Services at Cajon Valley Union School District in Southern California. The district recently went out to bid seeking a company to implement a wireless network across its schools using equipment from Xirrus.

"The Xirrus solution was chosen after a year of testing and against other manufacturers," Allen noted. "Xirrus' expertise was crucial in implementing the needed upgrades for our infrastructure supporting Common Core testing. They uniquely understand the needs for electronic testing across the student body, and how to achieve maximum network uptime and performance for Common Core testing."

The company also launched online assessment resources intended to share best practices for preparing wireless infrastructure to accommodate the new tests. Currently, the site provides a whitepaper that covers issues related to testing over wireless that can be downloaded for registration and an infographic that explains the assessments, the technical underpinnings for supporting them and funding sources.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • chart with ascending bars and two silhouetted figures observing it, set against a light background with blue and purple tones

    Report: Enterprises Are Embracing Agentic AI

    According to a new report from SnapLogic, 50% of enterprises are already deploying AI agents, and another 32% plan to do so within the next 12 months..

  • zSpace Imagine Learning Solution

    zSpace Debuts Headset-Free AR/VR System

    Immersive learning company zSpace has announced the zSpace Imagine Learning Solution, a headset-free AR/VR laptop system designed for elementary education. The all-in-one platform integrates hardware, software, and hands-on lessons to create dynamic learning experiences for young students.

  • AI robot with cybersecurity symbol on its chest

    Microsoft Announces New Agentic AI Tools for Security Copilot

    Microsoft has expanded its AI-powered cybersecurity platform, introducing a suite of autonomous agents to help organizations counter rising threats and manage the growing complexity of cloud and AI security.