Wireless Solution - Primary School

[MatthewL]

They turn into what they call RAP's, if you Google aruba rap it will show you the ones mainly for the job but you can use the AP's you use for the main wireless with a power adapter and they do the same, its great for us as we can install them where ever there is internet and it create a VPN back and we have a wireless network like we were in the office.

[synaesthesia]

24 AP's seems like a lot - it's also going to be very unnecessary to have one AP per classroom - that's something you'd expect from adhoc / unmanaged wireless systems. Unless you're a HUGE primary school then I'd estimate (without even knowing where you are, school size etc) you could probably half that number and the relevant costs.

 

Personally, I like Ruckus - I've seen a (bad, installer not supplier) install at one of my primaries last week and it works wonders, range is good, seems reliable and price was far below the "big" players.

[SimpleSi]

@synethesia

Could you let us know the cost of the install/number of APs used/number pupils in the school please?

 

Si

[sparker]

I have an Aerohive system which was great during our rebuild as the mesh just joined itself back together wheneever the wired connection was hacked up by a builder (often). We had two site surveys - one from Aerohive and then a second from AIT who were the installers who then did third final survey after the install to make sure it was all working. They then came back after the build to help me reconfigure the network for our new buildings so have to say I am very pleased. My second choice would have been Ruckus but D-Link have now a managed offering which is likely to be cheap. Note than many managed systems (including Aerohive) have ongoing licence costs!

[PhillUS]

@Chris4 My personal experience has shown that the Ruckus devices end up costing less than most of the competitors because the components cost less and they require less AP’s to get similar or better coverage.

 

If you PM me I can give you some ideas on how to find good pricing on the Ruckus equipment. I can also give you some suggestions based on our educational experience.

 

Good luck

[Chris4]

Still a long way to go, but we're leaning towards Ruckus and Unifi. Aerohive's licensing costs hasn't gone down well and we're still hear a convincing case for Cisco. Thanks for everyone's help so far.

 

 

@Chris4 My personal experience has shown that the Ruckus devices end up costing less than most of the competitors because the components cost less and they require less AP’s to get similar or better coverage.

 

If you PM me I can give you some ideas on how to find good pricing on the Ruckus equipment. I can also give you some suggestions based on our educational experience.

 

Good luck

PM coming your way.

[Chris4]

Does anyone have experience with Meru? We just had a site survey by a local Meru supplier and hopefully going to be getting a demo. Looks promising.

 

Interesting to know Meru are going to be providing wireless to 1,200 schools in N. Ireland too.

[PhillUS]

My only Meru experience is just getting calls to replace it with Ruckus. Those calls are coming in more frequently.

 

Rumor is they are not doing well so they are cutting prices 50 - 75 % to move what is in stock.