Case Studies Walsh University creates a divine wireless experience for students with Arista Networks

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	Walsh University creates a divine wireless experience for students with Arista Networks

Walsh University creates a divine wireless experience for students with Arista Networks

Technology Category	Networks & Connectivity - Network Management & Analysis Software Networks & Connectivity - WiFi Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Connectivity Platforms
Applicable Industries	Education
Applicable Functions	Business Operation Facility Management
Use Cases	Building Automation & Control Building Energy Management Remote Collaboration Remote Control
Services	Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services System Integration Training
Challenge	With a steady increase in student enrollment, Walsh University's Office of Information Technology (OIT) realized that their existing controller-based wireless network could not maintain adequate throughput for the growing number of devices connecting to it. This inadequacy was particularly evident in the residence halls, where students experienced connectivity issues, especially during peak evening hours when streaming and gaming activities surged. The IT team, led by Brian Greenwell and Rick Seivert, identified the need for better connectivity to ensure a positive experience for students, whether they were studying, streaming, or gaming. Additionally, security concerns were paramount, as universities have become prime targets for hackers seeking valuable personal identifiable information (PII). Read More
About Customer	Walsh University is an independent, coeducational, Catholic Liberal Arts and Science institution located in North Canton, Ohio. Founded in 1960 by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, the university has grown significantly over the years, now enrolling nearly 3,000 students from 40 states and 35 different countries. The main campus features 26 buildings, including 10 residence halls that house approximately 1,100 students during the school year. Walsh University is dedicated to developing students' minds, bodies, and spirits, and has seen an 80% increase in enrollment since 2002. The university also includes four satellite campuses, three in Ohio and one near Rome, Italy, which serves as a primary location for their global learning experience. Read More
Solution	To address the connectivity and security challenges, Walsh University partnered with Arista Networks to upgrade their wireless network. The IT team, led by Network Administrator Rick Seivert, sought a secure, cloud-managed solution that could support high-density demands, allow for simple upgrades, and scale for future needs. After comparing various vendors, including Meraki, Aruba, Aerohive, and Ruckus, Arista Networks was chosen for its scalability, security, and cloud technology. Walsh University deployed Arista's 802.11ac W-68 access points in student residence halls and Arista's C-120 and C-130 802.11ac Wave 2 access points in common areas with higher traffic. The deployment process was efficient, taking only six weeks, and was facilitated by Arista's easy-to-install access points and responsive support team. The new network allows IT staff to manage and troubleshoot the system remotely, significantly reducing the time and effort required for maintenance. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Networks & Connectivity - Network Management & Analysis Software

Networks & Connectivity - WiFi

Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Connectivity Platforms

Applicable Industries

Education

Applicable Functions

Business Operation

Facility Management

Use Cases

Building Automation & Control

Building Energy Management

Remote Collaboration

Remote Control

Services

Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services

System Integration

Training

Challenge

With a steady increase in student enrollment, Walsh University's Office of Information Technology (OIT) realized that their existing controller-based wireless network could not maintain adequate throughput for the growing number of devices connecting to it. This inadequacy was particularly evident in the residence halls, where students experienced connectivity issues, especially during peak evening hours when streaming and gaming activities surged. The IT team, led by Brian Greenwell and Rick Seivert, identified the need for better connectivity to ensure a positive experience for students, whether they were studying, streaming, or gaming. Additionally, security concerns were paramount, as universities have become prime targets for hackers seeking valuable personal identifiable information (PII).

About Customer

Walsh University is an independent, coeducational, Catholic Liberal Arts and Science institution located in North Canton, Ohio. Founded in 1960 by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, the university has grown significantly over the years, now enrolling nearly 3,000 students from 40 states and 35 different countries. The main campus features 26 buildings, including 10 residence halls that house approximately 1,100 students during the school year. Walsh University is dedicated to developing students' minds, bodies, and spirits, and has seen an 80% increase in enrollment since 2002. The university also includes four satellite campuses, three in Ohio and one near Rome, Italy, which serves as a primary location for their global learning experience.

Solution

To address the connectivity and security challenges, Walsh University partnered with Arista Networks to upgrade their wireless network. The IT team, led by Network Administrator Rick Seivert, sought a secure, cloud-managed solution that could support high-density demands, allow for simple upgrades, and scale for future needs. After comparing various vendors, including Meraki, Aruba, Aerohive, and Ruckus, Arista Networks was chosen for its scalability, security, and cloud technology. Walsh University deployed Arista's 802.11ac W-68 access points in student residence halls and Arista's C-120 and C-130 802.11ac Wave 2 access points in common areas with higher traffic. The deployment process was efficient, taking only six weeks, and was facilitated by Arista's easy-to-install access points and responsive support team. The new network allows IT staff to manage and troubleshoot the system remotely, significantly reducing the time and effort required for maintenance.

Impact #1	The new Arista wireless network provided reliable WiFi performance in high-density residence halls, ensuring students had consistent connectivity for studying, streaming, and gaming.
Impact #2	The cloud-managed solution reduced the time spent on troubleshooting and management, allowing IT staff to focus on other critical tasks.
Impact #3	The scalable solution enabled Walsh University to plan for future projects and deployments around the campus, ensuring long-term network reliability.

Impact #1

The new Arista wireless network provided reliable WiFi performance in high-density residence halls, ensuring students had consistent connectivity for studying, streaming, and gaming.

Impact #2

The cloud-managed solution reduced the time spent on troubleshooting and management, allowing IT staff to focus on other critical tasks.

Impact #3

The scalable solution enabled Walsh University to plan for future projects and deployments around the campus, ensuring long-term network reliability.

Benefit #1	The deployment of Arista's wireless network was completed in just six weeks, significantly less than the time previously budgeted for the roll-out.
Benefit #2	The IT intern was able to handle a majority of the physical installations over the summer break, demonstrating the ease of installation of Arista's access points.

Benefit #1

The deployment of Arista's wireless network was completed in just six weeks, significantly less than the time previously budgeted for the roll-out.

Benefit #2

The IT intern was able to handle a majority of the physical installations over the summer break, demonstrating the ease of installation of Arista's access points.

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Overview

Walsh University creates a divine wireless experience for students with Arista Networks

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit