Separate Ruckus Wi-Fi networks for Unest students
text: Ruckus images: Unest
When Unest faced the challenge of providing a Wi-Fi solution in their dorm with separate VLAN networks for each individual student, without providing an uplink in each room, Ubicum came up with the appropriate solution. Thanks to the extensive configuration possibilities of the Ruckus devices and punishing in-house developers, Ubicum again created highly customised solutions for this customer.
Unest: a private Wi-Fi network per student
Unest is a student accommodation, located close to the Brussels University campus, that has everything a student needs for a comfortable and convenient living experience. The complex consists of 119 student rooms, five of which can accommodate two students. In addition to housing a total of 124 students, the caretaker keeps an eye on things from his flat.
Because students’ comfort matters, the available rooms count on their own kitchenette and bathroom, ensuring privacy. A fully equipped gym promotes a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the rooms count on spacious communal areas fostering connections with friends and fellow students.
The beautiful courtyard, surrounded by greenery, is an oasis for reflection and tranquility amidst the busy student’s life. Bicycles are kept safe and sheltered in the bicycle garage. And as part of its commitment to the environment, Unest has 253 solar panels on the roof, with a total capacity of 107,205 watt peak (Wp).
But comfort does not stop at rooms, of course. Students today also have high technological requirements, of which good Wi-Fi coverage is the crowning glory.
Requirements
- Always-on connectivity
- Create individual networks for each student
- Unique authentication credentials
- Prevent network congestion
- Reduce airtime usage
- Network security
- Single management controller
Solution
- RUCKUS® indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi® 6 access points (AP's)
- H320
- R350
- RUCKUS ICX® 8200 switches
- Virtual SmartZone™
Key outcomes
- Optimal user experience
- Tailored/isolated network for each student
- Achieved 100% coverage
- Airtime usage optimized
- Efficient traffic separation
- Secure BYOD access
- Easy and flexible network management
- Future-ready technology
The BYOD challenge in a housing complex
Bringing Your Own Device (BYOD) or secure Wi-Fi connectivity with your own devices in a residential complex poses significant challenges. In an era where technology is seamlessly integrated into education, reliable and robust Wi-Fi networks are no longer a luxury but a necessity. This is especially true for student residences, where people expect a future-proof network infrastructure capable of handling the ever-increasing demand for connectivity, privacy and seamless digital learning experiences.
Unest faced the challenge of providing a Wi-Fi solution that could create separate VLAN networks for each student. This was critical as personalized connectivity is essential in educational environments. To ensure optimal network performance, students should be able to easily connect all their devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, connected watches, speakers, and IoT gadgets, both indoors and outdoors. Additionally, Chromecasts, printers, and other smart devices should not interfere with students’ connectivity or network traffic. And as icing on the cake, there were no uplinks in each student room which ruled out straightforward set-up.
In a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) property, it is essential to have robust security measures in place when students bring their own devices (BYOD) and are inundated with equipment such as printers, cameras, lighting, and climate controls. It is also critical to manage all these APs (devices) efficiently through a single cloud platform without compromising security.
VLANs and intelligent APs’ behavior to create separate networks efficiently
The project was successfully developed by Unibricks, a real estate developer, and Ubicum, a RUCKUS Partner with huge expertise in the hospitality sector.
Ubicum and RUCKUS Wi-Fi have achieved the creation of separate networks through intelligent configuration and VLAN management. This was accomplished as follows:
- RUCKUS APs support VLAN tagging, allowing VLANs network segmentation. RUCKUS APs are designed to handle large numbers of devices simultaneously.
- When you configure a separate network, a specific VLAN ID can be assigned.
- Trunk ports on the network switch connect to RUCKUS APs. These trunk ports carry traffic for multiple VLANs using VLAN tagging (802.1Q).
- Each SSID can be associated with a specific VLAN, allowing multiple networks to share the same physical uplink.
“The challenges were addressed successfully by implementing RUCKUS solutions, resulting in 100% coverage for each student. If a range of APs with pre-programmed SSIDs had been used, only 5-10% coverage would have been achieved in the building. Additionally, airtime usage was reduced by 32% by avoiding the need to broadcast more than one SSID," says Frederic Emmelmann, founder of Ubicum.
By intelligently managing airtime, it enhances the user experience, especially in high-density environments like this.
Empowering students with unique and secure credentials
RUCKUS Wi-Fi accommodates a wide range of devices. Chromecasts, printers, and other smart equipment can seamlessly connect to the network. Whether it’s streaming content or printing assignments, RUCKUS Wi-Fi supports it all.
“As our focus was on solving and securing BYOD access, we utilized Dynamic PSK™ (pre-shared keys) to provide unique PSK credentials for each student on the same network. This was our first implementation of RUCKUS DPSK, and it has opened up a broad spectrum of possibilities for future projects," added Frederic.
RUCKUS integrates stringent security protocols to safeguard student data, because privacy is non-negotiable. RUCKUS DPSK patent technology provides a robust and flexible approach to ensure each student/device has a unique and secure key. This individualized approach enhances security by preventing unauthorized access. If a hacker cracks the DPSK for one user, it will not compromise other devices using their unique DPSKs. DPSK simplifies key management and can be created, removed, and managed without affecting other devices on the VLAN.
Network management on a single cloud platform
Unest network management and control are done through a single SmartZone cluster that simplifies the complexity of scaling and managing RUCKUS APs and RUCKUS switches designed to handle next-generation wireless and IoT campus networks. These intelligent, scalable edge switches deliver best-in-class functionality.
IT teams can manage proactively, ensuring uninterrupted user experiences thanks to real-time insights about network performance.
SmartZone also supports additional advanced features such as converged wired and wireless management, content filtering, rogue AP detection and mitigation, client load balancing, airtime fairness, guest onboarding, and capacity-based admission control.
“The easy Virtual SmartZone API allowed to us make a simple administrator platform that could interconnect with a custom doorbell system we developed. The reliability of the RUCKUS hardware has been a key point in our journey to keep working with RUCKUS," concluded Frederic.
A future-proof RUCKUS Wi-Fi networknetwerk in student residences is not only about connectivity, but also about empowering the next generation of students. With RUCKUS, they can confidently embrace the digital revolution.
In summary, students can stay connected whether they are attending virtual lectures, streaming movies, or video chatting with family, thanks to RUCKUS Wi-Fi’s reliable connection.
A decade ago, Unibricks, a Belgian property developer, entered the market to offer a comprehensive service for those looking to invest in affordable property. This covers the entire process, from development to management. In this way, Unibricks makes real estate accessible to a wider audience, enabling individuals to build a secure and happy future for themselves and their Unest is one of their wonderful realisations
RUCKUS Networks designs and builds truly purpose-driven network infrastructure that meets the strictest requirements of all kinds of enterprise environments. Together with our dedicated go-to-market partners, we enable customers to deliver exceptional network experiences, making RUCKUS Networks one of the most trusted brands in the business—a loyal companion ready to help get the job done whatever it takes. RUCKUS Networks is backed by the corporate resources of CommScope, which powers many of the world’s most advanced networks.
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