Lostsoul125

The thing about tradeshows, expos, and what not, I realize not a lot of goers are IT people. A lot of the attendees happen to be people who thoroughly love and enjoy technology, but are working else where, or that they don't have that decision making power.

A few days ago I received a call from one of the guys from Xirrus that did our install. During our conversation about how well the Arrays are doing, he proceeded to tell me about their new Rapid Deployment Wi-Fi Kit. Basically the kit is for Disaster Relief and Temporary Conference Purposes. I don't think any place in the UK is using the kit, but I know a few places in the states that are. I can see how the kit works for temporary conferences (i really like that fact), but I can't really understand about the whole disaster relief. I'm trying to get more stats and even trial this product. Perhaps this may be of some use to you guys or anyone else. But I do think this is a great new product they put out. Xirrus actually has a video on their website showing what I'm talking about. If I can get my hands on one for a trial, I'll take pictures and post it on here.

hahaha its ok if other contribute too, but yeah I do believe my generation is very lucky because of technology. Now the newer generations are even luckier! I graduated about a year ago and was able to land a job right away so yeah I am pretty young, but hey I still know my stuff. But from what all you guys talk about its almost comparison to some pre-historic time details!

I know many out there have dealt with Ruckus, and myself Xirrus... But who out there has dealt with the other companies such as Meru, Aruba, Cisco, Trapeze, Etc? If so, talk about what you like, what you dont like, and any other problems, how do you feel about their technology and so forth.

How many of you have unlocked iPhones? I'm currently a T-Mobile user with a Blackberry. I don't plan on changing my mobile carrier as my wife has the same, but I would definitely like the get an iPhone because of all the apps, goodies, etc. I know unlocking an iPhone is possible, but I heard that everytime you update your phone, you have to unlock it again. Has anyone dealt with this and consistently had to unlock their iPhone? Comments and suggestions please

As I stated, Xirrus does it for me. You should check them out. Quick replies and all, but I'd advise you to check out other companies as well for comparison purposes. Also think about it this way, since your school isn't relatively large, you shouldn't be spending that much money compared to the larger schools. As far as deploying wireless across the school, it's actually a great tool. I know for now that only the teachers have access, but think about the possibilities with wireless for all students as well. Online and E-Learning would increase. You can implement test taking online as well (great way to save trees and grades a lot faster). I wouldn't be surprised if a few years from now all students even in Elementary are allowed to bring laptops to school. Even with the iTouch, students are able to access certain websites to help with their studies.

Thanks a lot for the heads up!

This depends upon level of schooling in the States. At the University level, teachers rarely use desktops and use more laptops, for projector reasons. High Schools and everything lower, teachers are given a desktop, but can also use a laptop. I personally think laptops are better. The teachers can bring the laptop home and to school. I find more teachers are using the internet as a social learning structure for students and a better way to communicate with their students, so the mobility of a laptop is definitely beneficial.

As stated in the other thread, I would propose checking out Xirrus. Their services has been very promising and really we have no complaints at our end. I wouldn't go with Cisco because they require so many APs, its really ridiculous. You need a vendor that can offer more with less, meaning give you more bandwidth, more coverage, and more range. Think about this way, the less devices and wires you need...the more you save. I dont know about the UK, but over in the states we are in a recession, so saving is vital. But also note that you can save, and also have a great and outstanding service!

No harm done, i totally understand! I do agree that potential customers should check out different vendors before deciding on who to go with. Speaking of which, has anyone dealt with Bel Air? I was at an educational tradeshow a while back when I had no idea what wi-fi vendor we wanted to go with. I was at the Xirrus booth asking a few questions about covering the outside of the facility, and the Bel Air guys are at the Xirrus booth trying to steal me away as a customer. Very unprofessional, I don't think any competitors have the right to stand at another company's booth to try to defer potential clients. Sad to say Bel Air wasn't even on my Wi-Fi vendor raidar.

What College did you attend and how was the wi-fi/connection there? I first attended Moorpark Community College, then transferred to University of California, San Diego. Connection at UCSD was horrible at times when you had your own laptop. Cramming for a test online proved to be impossible at UCSD during finals week!

I had a few friends that freqent EduGeek as readers and they told me to check it out. I followed EduGeek for a few months before finally pulling and making a log in for myself

My work place uses mesh, for reasons I don't know why. Mesh hasn't cause us any trouble yet, and I would like to keep it that way

That is pretty funny. I'm not affiliated with them what so ever, trust me I wish I would get paid for talking about a company. I saw all your posts about how great you believe Ruckus is, so I decided to throw my 2 cents in there and talk about my success with Xirrus. Sorry if there's such thing as COINCIDENCE. I can't not speak for others but I joined to gain information and to give information.

I do vouche for Xirrus as well. My workplace looked into the other Wi-Fi companies mentioned above. Xirrus was the only Wi-Fi vendor capable of meeting our needs and being within our budget. When we contacted them initially, we had them come out and give us a FREE site survey within a few days. They guaranteed the amount of Arrays that we needed to power up the whole building with Wi-Fi and the site survey proved to be on point. They allowed us to have some demo units to test their infrastructure for a few days as well, so we knew what we were buying. We actually saved a great amount with Xirrus. We stayed within our budget because the site survey was free, they required less cabling and devices, which save installation time...which then saved us on cost! If you are looking for a company that is pleasant to deal with, definitely check them out.