Created on 3.4.2009
Interactive Learning Environment using Secure Wireless Technology at Newcastle College
Innovative wireless deployment increases staff and student collaboration
3rd April 2009 - Networking and security integrator Khipu Networks today announced that Newcastle College, one of the largest and most successful colleges in the UK, has deployed Bradford Campus Manager with Alcatel-Lucent’s Wireless technology to enhance the student experience by providing secure wireless access to interactive learning environments, the college network and the public internet.
Further and higher education students at the college can now access the internet using a myriad of mobile devices including the iPhone and PDAs. This allows students to utilise a web-based virtual learning environment – Blackboard – at any times, providing each user with a personal learning space and information specific to their course and modules. The interactive environment also enables students to collaborate with staff outside of teaching times, participate in online student communities, and access learning resources and coursework topics.
In addition, the college network - which is split into three separate systems for staff, students and guests – can now be accessed wirelessly using authorised laptops. Alcatel-Lucent’s wireless security modules implemented by Khipu, which include wireless intrusion prevention and rogue access point detection, ensure that the network remains fully secured at all times, while allowing college guests to utilise the internet.
“The internet and networked resources have become a central part of pupils’ studies, making it essential to provide flexible access to these tools at all times. We were initially concerned about the security of wireless technology, however Khipu’s offering delivered the level of control and authentication we needed, while the initial deployment was completed in just one week.” Neil Gow, group IT development manager at Newcastle College.
The wireless local area network (WLAN) has been rolled out across three sites, including the college’s main Rye Hill campus – which comprises numerous buildings allowing more than 500 users to access the network at the same time. The WLAN has also been deployed at the college’s aviation academy at Newcastle airport and at its business school in Sandyford, while there are further plans to extend access to other sites, opening up the network for all of the college’s 30,000 students and staff.
Khipu was chosen due to its reputation and experience in the education sector, having been recommended to Newcastle College by neighbouring Durham University, as well as its ability to meet the college’s strict security requirements. To further bolster security, Khipu has also deployed Bradford Networks’ network access control solution on the college’s wired network to ensure fixed-line users remain compliant with security policy at all times.
“Wireless access has become a must-have for forward-thinking education institutions looking to offer a more competitive learning environment. As an enabling technology, wireless networking can help colleges raise academic standards, while also offering more advanced facilities to set them apart from competing organisations and improve student intake.” Jade Edwards, a commercial consultant at Khipu.
For further information on our secure wireless solution, please contact KHIPU.
About Khipu Networks
Khipu Networks is a UK-based advanced systems integrator, focusing on supplying innovative secure compliant infrastructure solutions across the public and private sector. The company is a leading adopter of new and best-in-breed technology – expert technical staff ensure that customers get the solutions they need, when they want them and how they need them. The ethos is to ensure that the customer has the edge on the security and compliance of their network and not the attacker. Hampshire based Khipu Networks Ltd is the security division of the White Clarke Group of companies. Khipu Networks is an Alcatel-Lucent Direct Partner (specialists in wireless) and the exclusive reseller of Bradford Campus Manager in the UK and Ireland. Khipu was also awarded Alcatel-Lucent Business Partner of the Year 2008. www.khipu-networks.com.
For further information, please contact Khipu:
- T: 0845 2720900
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Khipu Networks Limited
