Universities Expand Use of 4G and 5G LTE
University campuses are like mini-cities — offering many of the same services and facing similar security challenges. Many universities have their own police departments, bus systems, restaurants, entertainment complexes, stores, gyms, libraries, classrooms, laboratories, sports complexes, power and electrical supply facilities, and housing units.
All of these require Internet connectivity.
The problem with this saturation of connected locations and services is how adept hackers have become at “pivoting” from seemingly unimportant areas of the network into parts containing sensitive data. This is true for businesses, as evidenced by many recent data breaches, and it’s true for higher education.
Many universities are moving away from the traditional monolithic network architecture. They’re taking Point-of-Sale and other applications off the main network with options such as Parallel Networking, Bring Your Own Network (BYON), and even Pop Up Networks.
Parallel Networking to Keep In-House Services Secure
Some colleges can run their campus services more cost-effectively in-house, but there are challenges - especially if all services are on the same network.
Operations such as bookstores, administrative offices, student centers, and cafés have specific networking security needs. Bookstores and cafés must keep POS data safe from hackers, and the administrative office wants to protect academic records from students attempting to electronically change their grades.
Some schools choose to install cable or a T1 line to each on-campus location — a safe but costly approach. Increasingly, schools are utilizing Cradlepoint 4G and 5G LTE Parallel Networking solutions to physically segment enterprise networks into security zones and mitigate risks to protect sensitive data from being compromised. Parallel Networking combines the strengths of wired and wireless for WAN Diversity, which is the convergence of 4G and 5G LTE, Ethernet (DSL, Cable, T1, MetroE) and WiFi as WAN — all delivered through a single networking device.
Pop-Up Networking for Colleges
The Laboratory for Audience Interactive Technologies (LAIT) at the University of Illinois has developed an innovative mobile application and system that revolutionizes audience engagement during events. This groundbreaking solution allows event producers to seamlessly deliver content to audience members' smartphones in real-time, enhancing interactivity to unprecedented levels.
Through LAIT's app, audience members receive timely alerts prompting them to participate on stage and engage with the event dynamically. Leveraging augmented reality technology, the system seamlessly integrates with lighting and music controls, creating an immersive experience for attendees.
LAIT partnered with Cradlepoint and NetCloud solution to ensure reliable connectivity and seamless operation, utilizing AER Series routers. This cloud-managed, all-in-one solution combines 4G and 5G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling instant deployment of a robust wireless network at any venue. By preventing network interruptions that could disrupt the show, attendees can effortlessly connect their devices to the Cradlepoint Wi-Fi, enjoying a glitch-free interactive experience.
The benefits of LAIT's pop-up network extend beyond enhancing audience satisfaction - it also facilitates the collection of valuable data and insights. By analyzing this data, LAIT can continually refine and improve future performances, further enriching the event experience for all involved.
Outsourcing Services and Security
Instead of handling on-campus services in-house, many colleges and universities outsource all services not directly associated with learning—everything from the cafeteria and campus security to vendors at sporting events. This separates all Point-of-Sale endeavors from the main campus network.
Vendors who take over these services are asked to “Bring Their Own Network,” they have two choices: run wire or go wireless. Choosing the wired-line solution can be more expensive and puts the university at the mercy of the cable company’s installation schedule.
With a cost-effective Cradlepoint wireless solution, vendors can quickly and easily deploy their devices — without involving a third-party installation company — and move them around as needed. Further, the availability of pooled data plans can provide key cost savings.
Centralized Cloud Management
Connectivity is Important to Current and Prospective Students
Students, faculty, administration, and staff require always-on connectivity all over campus — all day long. It’s important for prospective students, too. On a school tour, young adults want assurance that activities such as writing a paper, buying books, or grabbing a bite to eat won’t be stalled by network downtime or slow connection speeds.
Wireless connectivity through Cradlepoint solutions enables colleges and universities to keep data separate and secure, guarantee uninterrupted learning, and give students the overall campus experience they dream of.
About MCA and Our CNS Team
MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace.
Our Cellular Networking Solutions (CNS) team (formerly known as USAT) is made up of certified experts in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions for public and private enterprises nationwide - complete with implementation, training, proof of concept (POC), system auditing, and on-site RF surveying services with optional engineering maintenance contracts.
Our extensive Cradlepoint catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments allows us to deliver a full suite of reliable technologies capped with a service-first approach.
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