The Challenge: Legacy WiFi Restricting Digital Learning
Denefield’s existing wireless network had reached the point where it could no longer provide the performance and capacity required by the school.
With increasing use of cloud-based applications, digital teaching resources and connected devices, the limitations of the existing infrastructure were becoming more apparent.
Importantly, the school wanted to introduce a BYOD strategy that would enable students to use their own devices as part of teaching and learning. This would place significantly greater demands on the wireless environment and required a network designed to support increased device density and usage.
Simply replacing the existing access points was not enough. Simpli-Fi needed to understand the performance of the existing wireless environment and the physical infrastructure supporting it before determining the right solution.
A Design-Led Approach
Simpli-Fi began with a detailed RF survey to understand the existing wireless environment and develop coverage plans for the new network.
This enabled our engineers to determine the optimum positioning of access points and the signal levels required throughout classrooms, teaching spaces and other areas of the school.
Alongside the wireless assessment, Simpli-Fi undertook a cabling and infrastructure survey to establish what would be required to support the new network, including Cat 6 cabling, switching and communications infrastructure.
By looking at the complete connectivity environment rather than treating WiFi as an isolated technology, Simpli-Fi was able to design a solution in which the wireless and wired infrastructure worked together.
The Solution: WiFi 6 & 10Gb Network Infrastructure
Following the survey and design process, Simpli-Fi developed a complete network upgrade designed around Denefield’s current requirements and future digital strategy.
High-Performance RUCKUS WiFi 6
RUCKUS R550 WiFi 6 access points were deployed across the school to provide improved wireless coverage, capacity and performance.
The new wireless environment was designed to support increasing numbers of connected devices and provide the capacity required for Denefield’s BYOD strategy, while creating a scalable platform for future growth.
Rather than simply increasing the number of access points, their placement was determined through the RF design process to ensure the network was optimised around the way the school needed to use it.
10Gb Network Backbone
The wireless upgrade was supported by significant improvements to the underlying network infrastructure.
Ten edge communications cabinets were upgraded with new Aruba PoE+ switching, providing the power and network capacity required to support the new wireless environment.
Simpli-Fi was also able to utilise the school’s existing OM4 fibre infrastructure to create a high-capacity 10Gb backbone between network locations.
This provided Denefield with a robust wired foundation capable of supporting the performance of the new WiFi network and the continued growth of digital services across the school.
Integration With Existing Infrastructure
A successful network upgrade also needed to integrate seamlessly with the systems and services already operating across the school.
Simpli-Fi worked closely with Denefield’s existing managed service provider to understand the wider network environment and ensure the new wired and wireless infrastructure could be introduced without negatively impacting existing services.
This collaborative approach enabled the school to retain its existing IT support arrangements while benefiting from Simpli-Fi’s specialist WiFi and network infrastructure expertise.
Deployment Around the School
As with any live education environment, minimising disruption was an important part of the project.
Simpli-Fi worked with Denefield to plan the installation around the school’s operational requirements, scheduling the deployment at a time that minimised the impact on students and staff.
The new access points, switching and network infrastructure were installed, configured and tested before the upgraded network was brought into service.
Careful planning and coordination with both the school and its managed service provider helped ensure a smooth transition to the new infrastructure.
The Outcome: Enabling Denefield’s Student Device Strategy
Denefield now has the network infrastructure required to support a more connected approach to teaching and learning.
The project delivered:
- High-performance RUCKUS WiFi 6
- RF-designed wireless coverage across the school
- Increased capacity for student and staff devices
- Infrastructure capable of supporting the school’s BYOD strategy
- New Aruba PoE+ switching across 10 edge communications cabinets
- A high-capacity 10Gb network backbone
- Effective use of the school’s existing OM4 fibre infrastructure
- Integration with the existing wired network and IT environment
- A scalable platform for future digital learning requirements
- Deployment planned around the operational needs of the school
Rather than simply replacing an ageing WiFi system, the project addressed the complete network environment, giving Denefield a stronger digital foundation on which to develop its use of technology across the school.
Client Testimonial
“From our first conversation, it was clear that Simpli-Fi understood exactly what we needed, as well as the budget and operational constraints schools have to work within.
The team took the time to understand our existing infrastructure and worked closely with our managed service provider to seamlessly integrate the new WiFi with our wired network, without disruption.
The installation was planned around the school, and throughout the project I was extremely impressed by the team’s knowledge and genuine commitment to delivering the best solution for us.
We now have the connectivity needed to support our student device strategy, and Simpli-Fi would be my first choice when we next need to upgrade our network.”
Paul Hamilton
Director of Operations, Denefield School
Supporting the Next Generation of Digital Learning
As schools increase their use of cloud-based platforms, digital resources and student devices, the network infrastructure behind them has to evolve too.
For Denefield, upgrading the WiFi was about more than improving wireless coverage. It was about creating the capacity and infrastructure required to move forward with its wider digital learning strategy.
By combining detailed RF design with WiFi 6, switching and a 10Gb backbone, Simpli-Fi has provided Denefield with a network designed not only for today’s requirements, but for the continued growth of connected learning.
