Aruba’s Campus Makeover: A Tech Transformation Story

Aruba’s Campus Makeover: A Tech Transformation Story

The Central University of Technology in South Africa’s Free State province has undergone a major tech makeover, thanks to a trusted partnership between Datacentrix and Aruba. The university’s Wi-Fi and network infrastructure have been upgraded to enhance connectivity and speed, aligning with its digital transformation strategy.

The Central University of Technology, located in the heartland of South Africa, has two campuses in Bloemfontein and Welkom. It offers education in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, management sciences, humanities, and education. With over 21,000 students, the university has evolved significantly since its establishment in 1981.

Before the upgrade, the university faced connectivity challenges, with Wi-Fi issues becoming a major concern for both students and staff. The existing infrastructure was unable to meet the demands of the growing campus population, leading to low throughput, poor coverage, and a lack of network visibility. The surge in virtual meetings during the pandemic further strained the Wi-Fi infrastructure.

To address these issues, the university embarked on a three-year network and Wi-Fi infrastructure upgrade. The goal was to create a smart campus that provides reliable connectivity and supports the use of 4IR technologies, such as IoT, smart buildings, and virtual reality environments for students.

Datacentrix, a leading ICT systems integrator and managed services provider, played a crucial role in the upgrade project. The company, in partnership with Aruba, implemented a state-of-the-art wireless network infrastructure, featuring Aruba’s advanced access points and Wi-Fi 6 technology. The deployment of Aruba’s central management platform, Aruba Central, enabled efficient network administration and enhanced security measures, including WPA3 encryption and integrated firewall capabilities.

The results of the upgrade have been impressive, with significant improvements in Wi-Fi connectivity and network visibility. High-traffic areas, such as the library and Student Academic Support Centre, have experienced a complete elimination of signal dropouts, enhancing the overall user experience. The university has also gained better insights into network activities, allowing for more precise issue identification and efficient problem-solving.

The success of this project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of Datacentrix, Aruba, and the Central University of Technology. It showcases the positive impact of technology partnerships in driving meaningful digital transformation within educational institutions.

This campus makeover serves as a compelling example of how strategic technology investments can revolutionize the learning environment, empowering students and staff with seamless connectivity and advanced digital resources. As the university continues to embrace the possibilities of smart campus initiatives, it sets a precedent for leveraging technology to create a more connected and innovative educational experience.

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