Towson University Deploys State-of-the-Art IP and Wireless Infrastructure from Cisco
May 17, 2005
By Stacy Williams, News@Cisco
Demand for wireless networks and mobile solutions on higher education campuses has grown dramatically, and it's no wonder. Higher education users are a highly mobile group, never staying in one place long and requiring access 24/7. The spread of Wi-Fi networks in higher education has been so rapid in recent years—especially since wireless became a standard laptop feature—that some industry analysts peg market penetration rates at between 75 and 100 percent.
In February 2005, Towson University joined the Wi-Fi ranks, presenting the largest wireless network in the Baltimore metropolitan area at a cord-cutting ceremony. Based on more than 400 Cisco Aironet 1200 Series Access Points, 10 Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Outdoor Access Point/Wireless Bridges and Cisco wireless security software, the solution enables wireless device and computer users to check e-mail, conduct online research and download course work without having to plug into a telephone line or cable port. The Cisco solution gives more than 18,000 students and 2,000 faculty and staff wireless access from virtually anywhere on the university's 328-acre campus.
"Technology is a critical asset in helping universities attract and retain the most qualified faculty and brightest students," says Towson Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer David Harnage. "Our Cisco Wi-Fi solution puts Towson on the cutting edge of networking and communication technologies. It will become an even more important asset as we move toward new devices and applications."
Before deploying the Cisco wireless solution, the university upgraded its fixed network infrastructure, also supplied by Cisco and spanning 58 campus buildings. The entire project was completed in just four months.
Harnage, who directs Towson's Office of Technology Services (OTS), says the Cisco wireless solution builds upon the university's strategic technology vision that includes delivering converged voice, data and video services over a single Cisco Internet Protocol (IP) infrastructure. "With its enhanced capacity and reliability, our Cisco solution opens the opportunity to deliver state-of-the-art communications and data services for the entire campus," says Harnage.
Harnage ultimately selected Cisco Systems for the massive implementation because of past successful experience with Cisco products at other educational institutions and the caliber of Cisco support. "The quality of support from Cisco in designing our fixed and wireless network implementations and validating our plans was exceptional," says Harnage.
OTS is already investigating new applications such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), unified messaging, network storage systems and equipping campus police with laptops and wireless connectivity. Other potential uses include delivering video for distance learning and enhancing campus security by using IP video surveillance.
Harnage believes that the most creative uses of the Cisco solution will emerge from classrooms. Today, students and faculty are tapping the Cisco wireless network for everything from library and database research to receiving and delivering assignments, but Harnage is even more excited about the future.
"Our Cisco solution gives faculty and students an opportunity to investigate and integrate new techniques into the learning environment," says Harnage. "How the technology will impact teaching, learning and research will be up to faculty and students."
So far, there is no shortage of users for the Cisco Wi-Fi solution. In fact, OTS recorded more than 800 connections to the Cisco wireless network over the first several days—before the service was even officially launched.
Students are not the only mobile users on the campus network. Guest lecturers, alumni, students' parents and conference attendees compose a transient group that requires Internet access for official and personal use. The same Cisco wireless network used for students and faculty offers secure, on-demand guest access.
Harnage stresses that use of the wireless network is optional. It is meant to supplement the wired network, not replace it.
Looking to the future, Towson and Cisco are exploring new ways to take advantage of the university's IP network infrastructure and wireless solution. But already, the Cisco solution is serving as a powerful catalyst for improved communications and learning.
"The applications for our Cisco infrastructure are many and varied," says Harnage. "We deployed a solution that allows creative minds to enhance academics in new, even unforeseen, ways. Any time that happens, we know we are on the right track."
Stacy Williams is a freelance journalist located in Phippsburg, CO.
