St Mary’s Newman Academic Centre improves their Wi-Fi with Ruckus

The St Mary’s Newman Academic Centre (A residential college of the University of Melbourne) has started a project to update their Wi-Fi network. They had a limited coverage network that provided wireless connectivity in the Library and Study Centre. This network was getting old and needed a refresh to address new technologies and the increased users demand for ubiquitous Wi-Fi coverage.

The Robert Shelton the IT Manager at the St Mary’s Newman Academic Centre considered some upgrade options but eventually the Academic Centre decided to give Ruckus Wireless and DyCom a go based on the Trinity College experience with their Wi-Fi deployment. The initial pilot system installation has been carried out with outstanding results. The new wireless system consists of aZoneDirector ZD3000 controller and 7962 dual band access points. The Centre is also trialling the 7025 Wired Wireless Wall Switch an innovative solution for student dormitories where both wired network and wireless connectivity is required.

Compared to the old system the user testing is showing between 5% and 20% improvement on signal quality and up to 20 times the signal power. These improvements seemed to be due to the 7962 access point unique antenna array technology and the Ruckus Wireless patented Beamflex technology.

It is expected that after the completion of the pilot project period the system will be deployed throughout  the residential college.