Forward-Looking System Design Meets Current Needs and Paves the Way for Future Applications
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aruba Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARUN), a global leader in distributed enterprise network solutions, today announced that Westminster Canterbury Richmond (WCR), a continuing care retirement community with nearly 900 residents in Richmond, Virginia, has deployed Aruba’s 802.11n Wi-Fi network. The network provides wireless coverage in both new buildings and older buildings that previously lacked any network access and for which a wired Ethernet connection would have been prohibitively expensive. Applications running over the network include point-of-care record access, voice communications, rogue detection, e-mail and Web browsing, and guest access.
The new 802.11n network replaces a series of autonomous Cisco 1100 access points that were difficult and time consuming to deploy and manage, and which could not scale sufficiently to support the needs requirements of either staff or residents. Staff members experienced repeatedly dropped connections as they walked through the community, making it difficult to access applications or enter data in a timely manner. A centrally managed architecture was required to meet current and future requirements, and a tender was issued.
“We selected Aruba for this project because its 802.11n solution demonstrated the best wireless performance, its network management was both comprehensive and easy to use, and it could be economically scaled to meet any contemplated future requirements,” said Robert Mann, Manager Information Technology, Westminster Canterbury Richmond. “Even though the new network is substantially larger than the one it replaced, it’s easier to use and requires substantially less IT manpower to maintain. For example, guest access used to be managed by skilled IT staff, whereas now it’s handled by our courtesy desk.”
The new network includes Aruba’s 6000 Series Mobility Controller and dual-radio AP-125 Access Points. Wireless network reliability is ensured by Aruba’s Adaptive Radio Management (ARM) technology. ARM dynamically adjusts infrastructure-based controls to optimize network and client performance in real-time. Regardless of local operating conditions and sources of interference, ARM helps ensure that latency-sensitive voice and video applications have sufficient network resources, including airtime, to operate reliably.
Network security is addressed by Aruba’s policy-enforcement firewall. The firewall features identity-based security, Quality of Service (QoS) control, and traffic management capabilities. Differentiated access is provided for each class of users based on factors including user identity, device type, location, and time of day. Aruba’s captive portal handles guest access control, and the firewall enforces bandwidth limits to ensure network availability for more critical applications.
“As we look to the future, it’s reassuring to know that the capital investment we made in this system is protected by its forward-looking design,” continued Mann. “The access points we purchased can be repurposed for mesh operation, remote access for traveling staff, wireless intrusion prevention, and even spectrum analysis – all without a hardware change. Our system can adapt in tandem with our needs, building on previous investments instead of abandoning them. That attribute is greatly appreciated by both the IT staff and our CFO.”
For additional information on Aruba’s healthcare solutions, please visit our Web site at http://www.arubanetworks.com/solutions/industry/healthcare.php.
About Aruba Networks
Aruba is the global leader in distributed enterprise networks. Its award-winning portfolio of campus, branch/teleworker, and mobile solutions simplify operations and secure access to all corporate applications and services – regardless of the user’s device, location, or network. This dramatically improves productivity and lowers capital and operational costs.
Listed on the NASDAQ and Russell 2000® Index, Aruba is based in Sunnyvale, California, and has operations throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific regions. To learn more, visit Aruba at http://www.arubanetworks.com. For real-time news updates follow Aruba on Twitter, Facebook, or the Green Island News Blog.
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