Meru Networks, a leader in virtualized wireless LAN solutions, recently announced that one of the brightest success stories from the academy school system established 13 years ago in the UK – Essa Academy – has deployed a Meru Education-Grade (MEG) wireless platform that will connect over 2,000 Apple devices issued to both teachers and students.
The academy recently adopted a 1-1 mobile device program across the school, echoing a trend of IT consumerization in the workplace, allowing students to use mobile devices for both school and homework. A key requirement for the implementation, Meru implemented a reliable, secure, high-performance wireless network that covered the entire academy – including both internal and external areas – enabling fast, seamless Wi-Fi access anytime, anywhere for thousands of devices simultaneously.
“With over 2,000 Apple devices running over a Meru wireless network, we are enabling creative teaching at Essa Academy that uses learner-led techniques for uninterrupted learning. We are also supporting one of the largest deployments of Apple mobile devices in any sector, let alone in education,” said Mark Howell, area director, UK & Ireland for Meru Networks. “Supporting over 2,000 devices in a very small area is an extremely difficult thing to achieve both practically and technically. However, with Meru’s virtualized wireless architecture, the Wi-Fi and the delivery of classroom content to all of these devices is completely seamless and hassle free.”
“The academy’s goal is to ensure every pupil has access to 21st century learning resources and to move away from buying printed text books,” added Abdul Chohan, Director at Essa Academy. “Imagine being in an environment where a student can use a ’textbook’ that’s completely personalized for them, flick digital pages over, watch video, look at content, listen to audio, interact with it and then capture their own learning – this is what we are hoping to achieve. Our vision means that technology will become embedded as the foundation upon which all teaching and learning takes place.”
With no fixed telephones, the academy is running all voice connectivity via the Meru wireless network. Voice data is transferred over the wireless network to the Apple devices.
Through the implementation of technology, Essa Academy has become a pioneer in the concept of 21st century learning and teaching. Additionally, it has reduced its £80,000 photocopying bill down to just £15,000 a year.
Managed by partner Northgate Managed Services, the Meru wireless network includes AP320i access points and a MC4100 wireless controller.
Meru Networks is set to demonstrate at the BETT education show Jan 30 – Feb 2, 2013, at stand F325 with a virtualized wireless demonstration facility at North Gallery Suite 16. The virtualized wireless facility will be available on Thursday, January 31, and Friday, February 1, running demonstrations every hour starting from 10:00AM through 4:00PM.
For more information on Meru Networks, visit www.merunetworks.com
About MissionIR
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Sign up for “The Mission Report” at www.MissionIR.com
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
