NETGEAR builds mobile learning environment for the University of

About the The University of Canberra has 1,200 staff and 10,000 students, with ninety countries represented by its student body. The University offers courses covering more than 30 professions, and provides both undergraduate and .

The Challenge – The need to implement a secure, flexible and low-cost network The challenge for the University of Canberra was to implement an IT framework which supported the seamless interaction of wired and wireless solutions, improved bandwidth capabilities and provided sufficient levels of secure wireless coverage across the campus. The IT infrastructure had to support multicast and multi-media traffic, such as broadcasting audio and video across the data network, and flexible mobile connectivity to cater for the high number of students with their own laptops, PDAs and other mobile devices. The solution also had to meet tight budgetary constraints, offer low cost of ownership and provide simplicity in and deployment.

The Solution Design – Delivering easy-to-use, high performance wired and wireless solutions Due to the networking providerʼs ability to exceed the identified criteria, the University of Canberra selected NETGEAR, along with their preferred network integration reseller ASI Solutions, as its partner to plan and implement the required upgrades.

The Wired Solution The University of Canberra deployed approximately 200 switches, containing a mix of Fast Ethernet and Gigabit managed switches at the network edge. The switches incorporated two easy-to-follow management interface options and delivered high-performance data transfer. Also deployed were a number of FSM7328S stackable Layer 3 switches on the network edge. These were used to trial a number of network Quality of Service (QoS) initiatives.

The Wireless Solution More than 50 Wireless Access Points (APs) were deployed across the campus with in-built IntelliFi technology (IntelliFi is the name of the RF Management technology previously known as AutoCell). IntelliFi automatically adjusts RF power output, channel selection and load balancing, enhancing overall WLAN performance and allowing the easy deployment of multiple access points. To further simplify deployment, the University installed NETGEARʼs Layer 3 FSM7326P PoE switches, eliminating the need for powerpoints at AP locations. The network was secured through the use of VPN tunnels which require users to complete an authentication procedure before access is granted.

www.netgear.com.au Why NETGEAR? – Adaptable, user-friendly products meeting expectations Geoff Rozenberg, Network Services Manager for the University of Canberra, oversaw the implementation of the new infrastructure. “We needed a flexible and adaptive network, that could rapidly change to meet our evolving requirements,” said Rozenberg. “The NETGEAR product range provided us with a consistent user interface and straightforward set-up. Product performance meets datasheet descriptions and we are spending less time working around idiosyncrasies and training staff due to the embedded management systems,” he said.

Connecting with R&D – Working towards the future with NETGEAR The University of Canberra network team has worked closely with NETGEARʼs engineering teams to provide feedback on future product development. The University of Canberra participates in NETGEARʼs System Quality Initiative (SQI), a beta testing program designed to provide real-world testing and feedback for new products under development. The SQI program also gives the University of Canberra direct access to NETGEARʼs Research and Development resources. The University of Canberra is currently trailing 10 Gigabit Ethernet backbone connectivity with some of NETGEARʼs soon-to-be-released GSM7300 series stackable Layer 3 Gigabit switches. The University has also been conducting trials on the use of diffserve values to give packet prioritisation. This is working well with a pilot deployment of IP phones as the University investigates IP telephony and managing voice functionality over the campus network.

A detailed diagram of the LAN in Building 11, which is typical of many buildings at the university.

Products installed • FSM7328S Stackable Layer 3 Switches • GSM7300 Series Stackable Layer 3 Gigabit Switches • Layer 3 FSM7326P PoE Switches • GSM7224 and GSM7212 Layer 2 Gigabit Switches

www.netgear.com.au