When COVID-19 disrupted learning environments nationwide in 2020, University Lake School, which served pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students, was no exception. It meant instructors were suddenly responsible for supporting both in-person and distance learning. Only problem being, they relied heavily on aging Juniper hardware that no longer delivered the reliability and capacity needed for peak demand. Time crunched, though, and facing daily network downtime, administrators had to implement changes quickly to support teachers who were now delivering coursework, presenting lesson plans, and sharing media productions online.
After tapping American Digital thanks to a glowing recommendation from a staff member, the school soon met with their new partner to go over those new challenges and their overarching vision. Recommendations were then presented to address both their short- and long-term objectives. And soon a decision was made to implement a fully refreshed network infrastructure using Aruba Networks hardware with new access points. This would be a solution that could ultimately replace 80 percent of the school’s wireless hardware while expanding coverage into all class interiors and giving instructors the ability to easily connect with both in-person and remote learners. Beyond this, it set the stage to offer guest device log-in in the future.
To avoid unnecessary disruptions to classroom learning, their implementation was planned during a long weekend with the first phase finalized without a hitch—improving their learning environment as soon as Monday morning. Since this was so successful, administrators are now in discussions to launch phase two of their implementation plan to notably expand internet connectivity for all users while also offering coverage to outdoor learning spaces.
American Digital’s ongoing partnership with University Lake School provides the ability to seamlessly launch IT and networking strategies that can withstand anything that might come their way. Learn more at: https://www.americandigital.com/insights/client-testimonials