ARUBA NETWORKS DELIVERS FLEXIBLE LEARNING POSSIBILITIES FOR PUPILS AT LEADING UK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
Bradfield College in Berkshire Deploys Secure Wireless LAN Throughout Classrooms and Boarding Houses
SUNNYVALE, Calif., September 28, 2006 - Aruba Networks, the Mobile Edge Company, today announced that Bradfield College, one of the country's leading independent schools, has implemented Aruba's wireless LAN (WLAN) technology into the school's classrooms and boarding houses. The introduction of Aruba technology provides some 650 pupils with wireless network access, no longer limiting when and where learning can take place. Many pupils can now enjoy the flexibility of wirelessly accessing the Internet from both classrooms and the comfort of their own private study bedrooms, supporting their daily research and study requirements.
In conjunction with its reseller, Online Network Solutions, Aruba worked with Bradfield College on an initial six-month installation trial, where the College carefully evaluated Aruba's technology as well as offerings from other WLAN vendors. After the trial, Bradfield considered Aruba the only suitable option, chiefly because of its robust security and centralized management system.
"Aruba was the clear choice for us in that it offered the secure and user-friendly centralized mobility network that we needed," said James Nalty, director of ICT at Bradfield College. "As some access points are located up to 20 minutes away from the ICT network data centre, individual management of each AP would be severely time consuming. Thankfully, Aruba's solution is completely centralized and the access points do not require individual management - thus saving us considerable time and effort."
Aruba's mobility system gives pupils secure access to all networked educational material. "The increased efficiency for pupils has been very well received, and for those pupils with full access, they are extremely happy and excited to now have the ability to study in their own private rooms," Nalty continued.
The College has deployed an Aruba 6000 mobility controller together with 50 Aruba controlled access points (APs) to create its secure WLAN. With impending plans to expand the network by increasing the number of APs, the College hopes to provide many more pupils with bedroom Internet access. "We hope to complete our expansion in the next 12 months, increasing the number of access points to 128," Nalty concluded. "That way, many more pupils can get online in many more places and enjoy the benefits of a completely wireless environment."
"We are very pleased to design and integrate the campus-wide wireless network for Bradfield College," said Andrew Deas, managing director of Online Network Solutions. "Our technical team worked closely with ICT staff at Bradfield College to ensure the network provided the required coverage and capacity, as well as the highest security attainable by using a combination of 802.1x and RADIUS authentication to migrate existing students and staff to laptop PCs and PDAs.
"Aruba's world-class solutions ensured the network was delivered in time, on budget and with zero network downtime," continued Deas. "We look forward to continuing to support Bradfield College with the expansion of the wireless network."
"Bradfield College is obviously an innovative institution, at the forefront of new technology implementations within the education sector," said Bob Vickers, UK general manager for Aruba. "Not only will Aruba's centrally managed wireless network increase the efficiency of information access, but it also has the potential to completely transform the way lessons and educational materials are delivered in the future."
About Bradfield College
Set within 200 acres of picturesque Berkshire countryside in Southern England and boasting a commitment to achieving excellence in academic, cultural and sporting pursuits, Bradfield College has grown to be one of the country's leading independent schools. Since becoming a fully coeducational school in 2005, the College now has approximately 500 boys, 120 girls in the Sixth Form and 40 girls in the junior year groups. The College accepts pupils from Britain and overseas and offers places to both boarders and day pupils.
About Online Network Solutions
Online is an independent, privately owned company specialising in the supply, installation, support and maintenance of Communications and Networking Systems. Based in Newbury, Berkshire, Online was formed in 1993 and offers Telecom Solutions, Deployment Services, System Integration and Maintenance. Our portfolio includes; data networks, structured cabling, Wi-Fi, VoIP, LOS links, Broadband DSLAM/MSAN, WiMax, copper & optical installations. We have a "right first time" philosophy, using trained and certified engineers and world class products to achieve performance objectives for our customer's - not only for the immediate requirement but also to protect the investment for the future in the ever changing world of communications.
About Aruba Networks
Aruba Networks is a fast-growing enterprise infrastructure company enabling the Mobile Edge, an evolutionary network architecture that represents a new approach to transitioning enterprise networks from a fixed, port-based architecture to an architecture centered on secure, identity-based mobility. The Mobile Edge simultaneously delivers mobile data and VoIP services, as well as a common user experience to mobile workers in the office, at home and on the road, by creating a secure mobility overlay that spans the LAN, the WAN and the Internet. To deliver the Mobile Edge, Aruba manufactures and markets a complete line of fixed and modular mobility controllers, wired and wireless access points, an advanced mobility software suite, and a mobility management system. Privately held and based in Sunnyvale, California, Aruba has operations in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and employs staff around the world. To learn more, visit Aruba at http://www.arubanetworks.com.
Media Contacts
Don Reckles
Aruba Networks, Inc.
408-329-5108
dreckles@arubanetworks.com
Laura Mead / Richard Scarlett
Johnson King PR
+44 20 7357 7799
Arubateam@johnsonking.co.uk
Aruba Networks and Aruba The Mobile Edge Company are trademarks of Aruba Wireless Networks, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders. Portions © 2006 Aruba Wireless Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice.