Bridgewater State College Deploys Campus-Wide Wireless Network Using Enterasys Networks RoamAbout
Wireless LAN Supports Wireless Classroom Project to Enhance Learning and Network Access throughout Campus
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Julie Reardon |
PORTSMOUTH, NH and BRIDGEWATER, MA -- June 3, 2002--Enterasys Networks, Inc. (NYSE: ETS), a leader in enterprise network solutions, was selected by Bridgewater State College, one of America's oldest public colleges located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, to deploy a new, campus-wide wireless local area network (WLAN) as part of the college's Wireless Classroom Project. The solution, designed and implemented by Direct Network Services (DNS), a Massachusetts-based wireless solutions company and Enterasys channel partner, includes Enterasys RoamAbout R2 wireless and NetSight Atlas network management products.
The College's long-standing reputation as a technology leader paved the way for Bridgewater State to receive a $500,000 grant from the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and the Commonwealth Information Technology Division. Under the terms of the grant, Bridgewater State deployed a campus-wide wireless network and launched the Wireless Classroom Project, a pilot program which redesigned several large-enrollment classes to take advantage of wireless technology.
The project is improving instructional effectiveness by allowing faculty to devote additional attention to students via e-mail and web-based bulletin boards. In just a few short months, faculty teams from mathematics, English and education have redesigned their courses to leverage the new wireless network, the Internet and laptops in the classroom. Through the college's "laptop loan" initiative, students can use a notebook computer for the entire semester and connect to the College's wireless network from anywhere on campus.
"Bridgewater State is recognized as a leader in the application of technology in higher education. We are delighted to work with the College to address the need for mobility across the campus by building this new network," said Yuda Doron, president of Enterasys Networks. "Our new RoamAbout R2 is one of the first wireless platforms to deliver the performance, flexibility and functionality to build a high-performance wireless network that is well suited for the higher education market."
Plans are underway to expand the Wireless Classroom Project in the coming semesters to cover additional courses and reach more students. "We've just begun to tap into the power and breadth of the new wireless network," said Patrick Cronin, director of telecommunications. "We're thrilled that the Enterasys products and our network have the growth potential to support our students and faculty over the long haul."
The new wireless network supports the IEEE 802.11b standard, with future support for the 802.11a standard, enabling the College's technical team to utilize both wireless standards as needed. The College is also conducting a pilot project on wireless support for PDAs and other handheld devices, and plans to implement RoamAbout's advanced, built-in virtual private networking (VPN) features.
Yahoo! Internet Life recently ranked Bridgewater State one of the top 100 colleges in the country utilizing technology. "The new wireless network was an important factor in this national recognition. It truly makes technology an integral part of the student learning experience both in and out of the classroom," said Bill Davis, chief information officer at the College.
About Enterasys Networks
Enterasys Networks is the Secure Networks Company, providing enterprise customers with innovative network infrastructure products, services and solutions that deliver the security, productivity and adaptability benefits required by Global 2000 organizations. For more information on Enterasys Secure Networks and the company's products, including multilayer switches, core routers, WAN routers, wireless LANs, network management, and intrusion defense systems, visit enterasys.com.
About Bridgewater State College
Bridgewater State College is one of the oldest public colleges in America, founded in 1840 as Bridgewater Normal School. The renowned statesman Daniel Webster, former U.S. President John Quincy Adams and the great educator Horace Mann were among the early supporters of the school. Today, full-time faculty number more than 260 men and women, the full-time and part-time student body exceeds 9,000 students, and more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs are offered. A single building on a quarter-acre of land in 1846, the college campus now has 240 acres and 29 academic, administrative and residential buildings, all connected with high-speed data, voice, video, and wireless. For more information, visit http://www.bridgew.edu and wireless.bridgew.edu.
About Direct Network Services
Direct Network Services is a wireless solutions company and corporate affiliate of ACUTA, the American Colleges and Universities Telecom Association. DNS is a Synergy Partner of Enterasys and markets and sells a broad range of wireless data communications products for both in-building and building to building connectivity. DNS also provides an array of services for wireless customers including wireless network design, consulting and frequency planning; site surveys and installations; post sales services including special warranty plans and customized maintenance agreements. For more information visit DNS at http://www.directnetserv.com.