The global education system is increasingly becoming reliant on digital tools and platforms for effective teaching and learning.
Tablets, laptops, e-learning platforms, and even online assessments require seamless internet connectivity. Thus, the importance of dependable and fast internet for modern education is clear.
Connectivity issues can disrupt classroom activities, limit access to course materials, and reduce the overall learning experience. Most institutes, especially universities, have Wi-Fi to manage this need, but it has unavoidable issues.
This article examines why the wireless network is better for educational institutes than Wi-Fi and how California Polytechnic State University gained better connectivity with neutral host capabilities.
Let’s get to it right away!
Wireless Network – The Right Choice For The Educational Sector
WiFi has been a support system for the educational system for a while.
But now, the connectivity needs have completely evolved, and WiFi can’t keep up. Students require more accessibility for different purposes and across the entire campus.
When WiFi fails to meet the high connectivity demands, it impacts students in several ways and harms the learning experience. That’s the reason why many educational institutes are now switching to advanced connectivity solutions like DAS or Neutral Host Networks (NHN).
Let’s find out the benefits of making this transition:
Fewer Access Points
Wi-Fi devices’ coverage capacity is limited, so you’ll need several devices installed to cover the required area. This decreases performance because of regular handoffs and can also ruin the browsing experience if a couple of devices crash.
On the contrary, wireless systems like DAS or NHNs require limited access points to cover large areas. This makes it a better option in terms of coverage and maintenance. Also, the browsing experience isn’t interrupted even when students roam around the campus.
Higher User Capacity
WiFis are notorious this way – they can handle a limited number of users at a time. That’s one reason why they can’t handle the load in educational institutions efficiently. In institutes, places are often crowded, which reduces WiFi performance.
Even with full phone signals, performance would be poor. NHNs and DAS don’t have this problem. You can expect consistent performance even with an unexpected surge in users.
WiFi may work fine on normal days, but it will likely crash in certain instances. For example, libraries are packed during exam season, seminars or events, and wireless connectivity is the best option at such times.
Setup Complexity Is Low
Installing WiFi throughout campuses is a big challenge. That’s because routers and wiring have to be done throughout the premises. This can also interrupt the daily on-campus activities.
Also, setting up Wi-Fi requires careful planning to avoid interfering with existing infrastructure. This can be time-consuming and costly, especially in older buildings or sprawling campuses.
Conversely, NHNs allow the university to share the same network infrastructure with multiple carriers, reducing deployment and operational costs. Cellular networks are typically managed by the carrier or a third-party operator, offloading the responsibility of maintenance from the university’s IT team.
Support for IoT and Smart Campus Initiatives
NHNs are better suited to support IoT devices like smart lighting, connected HVAC systems, and campus security sensors. With advanced cellular capabilities, universities can implement smart campus solutions like autonomous shuttles and augmented reality (AR) for learning.
WiFi fails badly in comparison because it offers limited IoT support and can’t be relied upon for consistent performance.
Security and Reliability
Cellular networks use SIM-based authentication, which is inherently more secure than password-protected Wi-Fi. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Cellular networks are also less prone to interference and congestion, ensuring a more stable connection, especially in high-demand scenarios.
Considering these benefits and several others, educational institutes are now abandoning WiFi in favor of better connectivity alternatives. One such example is California Polytechnic State University.
How California Polytechnic State University Solved Connectivity Issues with NHNs
California Polytechnic State University already used a private wireless network for its connectivity needs. It upgraded the infrastructure to meet outdoor connectivity requirements and make cellular connections accessible to more devices.
Another goal was campus safety – the administration wanted anyone on the campus to have reliable 911 access.
They added neutral host capabilities to the infrastructure that uses the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band to enhance connectivity. Initial deployments made the outdoor hiking areas and William and Linda Frost Center for Research and Innovation accessible.
The private wireless also has super fast speeds and ultra-low latency, allowing the university to implement modern use cases such as 3D image capture or augmented reality in site construction projects.
The upgrade improved communication, made the university safer, and allowed it to explore new innovative ventures.
Conclusive Thoughts
Transitioning from traditional Wi-Fi to NHNs is a technical upgrade and a strategic investment in the education sector’s digital future.
The shift to neutral host networks has transformed connectivity at California Polytechnic State University, addressing critical challenges like coverage, reliability, and security.
By leveraging advanced cellular technology and CBRS, the university has improved campus safety, enabled innovative applications, and enhanced the overall learning experience.
This case exemplifies how educational institutions can use robust wireless networks to future-proof their infrastructure, meet growing connectivity demands, and unlock new possibilities.
Contact us via hello@cedsys.com or drop us a message on Linkedin to learn more about DAS, NHNs and other wireless connectivity options. Our experts are ready to assist you in any way they can.