Higher Education

A wireless mesh network enables powerful new applications for improving campus-wide connectivity, security, and surveillance; for reducing staffing and support costs; and for increasing productivity. It also demonstrates that the institution offers leading-edge technology benefits - a strength in attracting top students and faculty.

In the past, wireless networking devices had to be installed within reach of a hard-wired backhaul. Deploying a ubiquitous wireless network would have required running fiber or Ethernet cable everywhere on campus that wireless users want to be. Deployment was costly and time-consuming. Installation in historical buildings and restricted sites was often impossible. And because a wired infrastructure is inflexible and difficult to scale, provisioning additional wireless services later on would create more ongoing support and maintenance burdens for already-strapped IT organizations.

The Wireless Instant Networks^TM completely change how wireless networks are deployed. Using standards-based routing and mesh networking technologies, HotPoint^TM Wireless Mesh Routers complement existing installed networks while eliminating the traditional wired Ethernet network backhaul. As a result, applications can be deployed anywhere on campus for a fraction of the cost associated with traditional wireless infrastructures.

Instant Networks on Campus

A instant network is an IP, broadband mesh network that supports multi-hop, point-to-point, and multi-cast routing. HotPoint mesh routers connect wireless access points or any wired Ethernet device to a wireless, rather than wired, mesh backhaul for transporting data and surveillance monitoring.

Deploying a HotPoint mesh router is as easy as plugging the unit into an AC power source. Now, virtually any Ethernet networking service can be deployed anywhere.

Deploy Quickly while Reducing Installation Costs

Wireless networks typically have associated capital equipment, infrastructure displacement and rebuilding, and ongoing maintenance costs - which often make it prohibitively expensive to put wireless access points where they will most benefit students and faculty.

Instead, HotPoint mesh routers can be deployed wherever there is a standard AC outlet. HotPoint mesh routers eliminate the need to buy costly network routers, pull cable, or lay fiber. They provision themselves and configure the wireless mesh upon being plugged into a power source. An instantly provisioning wireless mesh network enables a college or university to:

	Cost-effectively connect campus - and off-campus - buildings to provide Internet access for student organizations, faculty and alumni facilities, nearby off-campus housing, research facilities, and other affiliated organizations
	Increase access to online resources in common areas, such as dormitory quadrangles, student lounges, cafeterias, sporting facilities, labs, and library areas
	Enable Internet access in classrooms and lecture halls on an as-need basis
	Enable access in brick and historic buildings where traditional Ethernet or fiber cabling would damage the building's historic integrity or aesthetics
	Enable secure public and private networks for students, faculty and administrative use, campus-wide

Enhance Campus Security and Simplify Surveillance Monitoring

Deploying a secondary surveillance network is often cost-prohibitive, yet, campus safety is often a critical decision factor in students' matriculation decisions. In addition, valuable equipment and research tools invite vandals and thieves. With a compact footprint, HotPoint mesh routers can provide Ethernet virtually anywhere there is AC power - enabling networked security cameras to operate in parking lots, labs, walkways between buildings, on top of campus kiosks, public transportation waiting areas, and areas surrounding event venues.

As a broadband mesh network, a instant network enables delivery of real-time video, allowing campus security to continuously monitor sites from any location. HotPoint mesh routers are so economical that extra units can also be placed with community watch or local law enforcement agencies that share common boundaries and jurisdictions to increase security and monitoring effectiveness.

Mobilize Networks and Resources

With just a few HotPoint mesh routers, Internet access from the institution's existing network can be made available anywhere. HotPoint units can be placed on carts and moved from location to location to establish an instant, portable network. They are ideal solutions for temporary applications, such as:

	Field research networks
	Classroom networks
	Networks for special sporting events
	Access for attendees of arts performances
	Online access for student organizations, faculty conferences, symposia, visiting lecturers and faculty

Ethernet Anywhere

HotPoint mesh routers also provide an Ethernet connection for peripheral devices. For the first time, institutions can install hubs, printers, and other devices in hard-to-reach locations to extend network access where wired solutions aren't possible.

A Powerful Advantage

Ubiquitous wireless network capabilities not only offer convenience to campus users, but the ability to instantly set up and deliver networking features can be a powerful draw for attracting prestigious events, partners, and alumni support.

EXAMPLES

| Computer History Museum | Los Gatos Opera House |

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