Smart digital learning environment at one of Europe’s oldest universities

With twelve Nobel Prize winners, 147 Masters programmes, 35,000 students and over 650 professors, Utrecht University boasts some impressive figures. Yet it is the university's attitude, rather than metrics, that catches the eye.

The university is working towards a better world, "through researching complex issues beyond the borders of disciplines". By putting thinkers in contact with doers so new insights can be applied, it provides students the space to develop. "Our graduates have the knowledge and skills to make a substantial contribution to society. Our research is ground-breaking and focused on solving major global issues," reads the university's mission statement. "Our collaborative culture fosters innovation, new insights and societal impact."

For a seat of learning founded in 1636, and tucked away in the Netherlands' fourth largest city, it is impressively global, modern and ambitious in its outlook.

Securing a Robust, Accessible Network

"A university without a network is unthinkable. It's like a city without roads," says Peter Hasperhoven, Product Manager Networks, Utrecht University. "What has changed in recent years is the network utilisation, both in terms of users and traffic, and the importance of security."

Utrecht University is one of the best universities in the Netherlands and a magnet for international students. It is one of Europe's leading research universities. The network needs to be robust, secure and accessible to a range of users.

"We want to eliminate single points of failure and cannot tolerate network downtime," says Hasperhoven. "We have around 35,000 students and 7,400 employees connected to our network at any one time. Plus, we provide eduroam access and support guests over the summer."

Making the city the campus

As a public sector organisation, Utrecht University must avoid locking in with one vendor. However, it has been an Aruba customer for many years. The university has built a network almost 3,100 Aruba Unified Access Points, including Wi-Fi 6, across the campus, comprising old buildings in the city centre and modern, purpose-built facilities on the outskirts in Utrecht Science Park. Access points are managed via five Aruba 7240 Mobility Controllers, orchestrated by a virtual Mobility Conductor.

In addition, the campus LAN architecture is comprised of over 330 Aruba Access Switches. The Core and Distribution layers are currently supported by HPE FlexFabric platforms, providing Layer 3 and critical MPLS services.

Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager, with 25,000 endpoints, manages role-based network access control including access to eduroam while Aruba AirWave network management ensures granular visibility over the huge estate.

Performance today and a platform for tomorrow

The Aruba Edge Services Platform (ESP) leaves Utrecht University with a high-performing network that is easy to manage and scale. Every student, employee and visitor is rooted off Aruba ClearPass and Aruba AirWave ensures Peter Hasperhoven has full visibility and network oversight. It delivers a robust network today and an innovation platform for tomorrow.

A fast-growing number of APs and an optimisation of the LAN are enabling the university to optimise the mobile experience throughout the campus. As this gathers pace, LAN usage will be retained for specific research or similar needs. Upgrading to Aruba switches is expected to create energy savings of around 17%.

Also, the university expects to add more Internet of Things (IoT) devices to the network – including building management systems, sensors and a host of devices for research project teams. Discovery, profiling, secure onboarding and monitoring the connection of these IoT devices onto the Utrecht network will be made possible by Aruba ClearPass Device Insight.

Functioning Effectively During a Challenging 2020

Covid-19 has dramatically impacted every aspect of university life. An environment that thrives on the close proximity of students and teachers has had to shift online. Carol van der Palen, Managing Director/Head IT Infrastructure at Information and Technology Services, Utrecht University says the university has proved it can function effectively in this new world.

"Research teams have had access to lab data, courses have moved online," he says. "We've had students taking part in class and finishing coursework while living in China."

This, he adds, should not be considered the new normal. While delighted the network has helped Utrecht through a challenging year, the focus should always be on human engagement and a physical learning experience.

"Clearly there is a benefit in extending our reach internationally through remote virtual learning, but we want students to experience the city of Utrecht and to enjoy onsite education. However, increasingly, a hybrid model of higher education will no doubt become the new norm, with a strong balance between physical and virtual education," Van der Palen says.

Extending mobility to elevate the student experience

The university plans to extend digital and mobile touchpoints in support of the student experience. It has Microsoft Teams as an option for all staff and students, and it is developing its own myUU app. The app contains students' individual timetables and exam grades. The plan is to make it easier for students to meet and work together.

"Students may reserve a study space or university facility," says Van der Palen. "Creating 'smart' buildings should allow us to optimise occupancy rates, control energy use and better understand how and when buildings are being used."

Longer term, it may extend the mobile experience to include exams, with digital exams using the students' own device.

As collaboration becomes easier and the need for common workspaces becomes greater, Utrecht University expects this will influence the design of buildings. As teaching and learning become more flexible, the university has a network that can support flexibility.

Ultimately, says Van der Palen, this will be a better place to meet and work, which will elevate the university's reputation and help attract more students, visitors, researchers and summer school guests.