Wireless Advice

[Harry1980]

Hi All,

 

I am just looking for some advice. We currently have Rukus AP, which we are looking to replace as its been over 8 years. We have been quoted with Aruba AP-505. We have also been quoted to replace our wifi cabling as we are using CAT 5E cabling and we need CAT 6 cables for the system to work properly. My question is can we get away with using CAT 5E? They have also quoted to replace some of our switches from GB switches to GB Plus switches. Is this necessary?

 

I know from past experience with sales people they just want to sell even if it is an overkill. We are a 2 form entry primary school. Teachers use laptops and the children use Chromebooks. We have 60 Chromebooks and no other mobile devices.

 

I have come across Aruba Instant On, has anybody used this and would it be suitable for our school?

 

Thanks in advance.

[DalekSec]

Judging by the specs of the AP Cat 5e should be fine, it's only a 1Gb interface on the AP anyway! Cables are fine for PoE

 

 

Switches i'll need to know models to see what PoE standards they have.

 

https://www.arubanetworks.com/products/wireless/access-points/indoor-access-points/500-series/#specs

 

• When powered by DC or 802.3at (class 4) PoE, the AP will operate without restrictions units
  
• When powered by 802.3af (class 3) PoE and with the IPM feature disabled, the AP will disable the USB port. In the same configuration but with IPM enabled, the AP will start up in unrestricted mode, but may dynamically apply restrictions depending on the PoE budget and actual power. The feature restrictions and order can be programmed.
  

Edited June 12, 2023 by DalekSec

[Net-Ctrl]

Hi - The Aruba AP-505 isn't a multi-gig AP - as such wouldn't require Cat 6 - as Cat 5E support 1Gbe. You also wouldn't need multi-gig switches as the APs wouldn't support it. One thing to check would be PoE budget - to ensure you can run the APs on the switches you have.

 

If budget allows of course Cat6 and multi-gig would future proof your deployment but based on your device usage - is possibly a bit overkill.

 

If not so already we would also suggest a Wi-Fi survey is completed with any upgrades as the environment can change.

 

Aruba Instant-On is their entry solution - I think to compete with the likes of Ubiquiti - it's a low price point.

[localzuk]

One thing to take into account when choosing a system is the DfE standards for schools now.

 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-digital-and-technology-standards-in-schools-and-colleges/switch-standards-for-schools-and-colleges

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-digital-and-technology-standards-in-schools-and-colleges/wireless-network-standards-for-schools-and-colleges

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-digital-and-technology-standards-in-schools-and-colleges/network-cabling-standards-for-schools-and-colleges

 

They aren't compulsory but it seems prudent to highlight them.

[Harry1980]

The PoE switch details are below:

 

Netgear ProSafe GS728TP

Netgear ProSafe JGS524PE

Netgear ProSafe GS728TP

HPE OfficeConnect 1820 Series Switch

[speakercon]

Absolutely no need to replace the cabling. Red flag's would be blowing around for me if they are saying you need it. How old are your switches?

 

Cat5e can even do multi-gig. From what I understand the DfE won't pay for cat6a anymore if you have cat5e because of this.

 

"With the inclusion of the IEEE 802.3bz standard you can even get more performance with your existing Cat5e cables. Under the standard of IEEE 802.3bz you can achieve up to 2.5GBase-T and 5GBase-T up to 328 Feet (100 meters)."

[Harry1980]

I forgot to mention that our school internet connection is only 100 meg.

[localzuk]

From what I understand the DfE won't pay for cat6a anymore if you have cat5e because of this.

 

This seems to be incorrect - at least, the DfE mandated CAT6A for our connect the classroom installation that is going in this summer.

 

The DfE's own guidance, updated in March, still says CAT6A.

[speakercon]

I asked them at one of their webinars a couple of weeks ago as a few suppliers no longer include it now in their cost matrix, and while they wouldn't directly say cat5e won't be replaced they did say if the current cabling supported multi-gig, which cat5e does within the correct parameters it would be rejected if new cabling was included and it would need to be proved during the half day site survey that the current cabling won't provide the 2.5g.

 

Whether in practice they just approve it I don't know but that's what they said to me.

[OLdMan99]

Using 34 Aruba 635 on old cat5E

[MartinT]

If you already have a Ruckus system with a usable controller, might I suggest you're half-way there? Upgrade gradually to R550 / R650 / R750 APs and you'll be on Wi-Fi 6 with the Cat 5e still being adequate to feed them.

@Net-Ctrl know what they're doing, a survey will tell you what you need. Highly recommend the Ruckus Wi-Fi 6 kit.