Aruba optimizes network management and provides a faster, safer digital learning environment for GenMobile at Universitas Kristen Petra

Ensuring a conducive learning environment for over 600 staff and 8,000 students at Universitas Kristen Petra is a priority for Justinus Andjarwirawan, Head of IT. This includes seamless network connectivity and security.

"Our University's core mission includes a focus on IT as an infrastructure to support communication and learning," said Justinus. "An updated network infrastructure would offer stable and secure connections that encourage collaboration and innovation among our students and staff."

Network strains and challenges

Working with Aruba was seamless, and the implementation was smooth as Aruba offered standardized technology that made switching over fuss-free. Justinus Andjarwirawan, Head of IT, Universitas Kristen Petra

The wireless network at Universitas Kristen Petra had been in place for 10 years, and aside from being slow and unreliable, it did not cover the school's premises adequately. It was unreliable when faced with high traffic volume and connections, hindering student learning, coursework and research.

The increasingly costly network maintenance was also putting more strain on the IT department, driving Justinus and his team in search of a new solution to solve their network challenges.

A complete network solution

Justinus and his team came across Aruba at the annual Atmosphere customer event.

They were especially impressed with Aruba's diverse range of enhanced network management software, wireless access points and switches that cater for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Aruba consistently placing as a leader in the Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure category in Gartner's Magic Quadrant also boosted their impression of Aruba.

An ecosystem of partners and solutions

Justinus also found a reliable partner in Catalyst Solusi Integrasi who assisted in the evaluation of several possible solutions proposed by different vendors through multiple proof-of-concept scenarios. Together, they shortlisted a couple of brands -- all leaders in Gartner's Magic Quadrant -- before deciding on Aruba.

He mentioned that vendors with non-standard, proprietary technologies made device integration difficult and costly.

"We decided to partner with Aruba as the team demonstrated a strong understanding of our challenges," said Justinus. "Working with Aruba was seamless as they offered standardized technology that made switching over fuss-free. The lifetime guarantee of Aruba products also helps free a considerable amount of resources and time."

The future of technology-driven education

Universitas Kristen Petra's network upgrade featured better core switches with reliable and fast wireless system. The implementation took three months as the team switched from legacy core switches to Aruba Switch 5400 Series and Aruba 2920 Series Mobility Switch, integrating with the Aruba 7000 Series controller for the campus network.

The upgraded network infrastructure helps seamlessly connect devices across the campus. It also provides coverage for 90 percent of the campus ground, a vast improvement from the legacy network.

Positive reception and coverage

In the one year since implementation, Justinus and his team have received positive feedback from both staff and students through satisfaction surveys. He is now planning to add more access points to provide even better coverage across the campus and improve load management in high density areas.

"The network upgrade allows our teaching staff to deliver more effective programs and encourages improved learning outcomes for students," Justinus commented.

Plotting the IOT roadmap

Universitas Kristen Petra is now on track with its IoT roadmap. Justinus is taking his next step towards smart campus transformation, with plans to implement technologies such as wireless RFID sensors to track attendance and enhance campus security.

He is also exploring systems that can enhance energy saving with automated air-conditioning and lights. Another project in mind is upgrading the security of the backend system with better firewalls and improved security protocols for wireless hubs.

"Technological change is all around us. I believe that IT has a significant role to play in improving connectivity across the campus and inspiring innovation among our staff and students," said Justinus. "As one of Indonesia's smart universities, we will continue nurturing the country's future leaders."