Like many schools, ODS wanted to expand access to computers to promote learning and support online student assessment tests. However, there is not enough space in each classroom for dedicated computers; nor could their centralized computer labs expand to support their usage requirements. The Trapeze Smart Mobile WLAN allows teachers to dynamically move computers to where they are needed while reliably maintaining high-bandwidth connectivity and stringent security.
Olathe District Schools, soon to be the second largest school system in the state of Kansas, chose Trapeze Smart Mobile because, the company says, Trapeze offered superior administration capabilities, best-in-class security, scalability, and outstanding customer service. ODS uses Trapeze Networks RingMaster management software to plan, deploy, monitor, and optimize its wireless LAN. RingMaster allows ODS to manage their 75 square mile network from one location, where they can monitor performance and identify problems in real-time. The system also ensures comprehensive security of Olathe's network by identifying and mitigating potential rogue access points across all their sites.
"Trapeze Smart Mobile was a natural fit for our schools," said Rita Lyon, executive director of technology for ODS. "We needed a wireless solution that could scale to handle our growing bandwidth needs and security requirements as well as being easy to configure and manage remotely across multiple locations. Trapeze Smart Mobile was deployed quickly and outperformed the competition in our evaluations."
Since Olathe began their investigation into wireless two years ago, they have seen the emergence of many new IEEE 802.11 standards. Smart Mobile's unique ability to allow them to embrace various 802.11 standards including future-oriented ones such as 802.11n, was a significant factor in the district's decision making process, since they would not have to incur the high cost of upgrading network controller infrastructure.
"Schools need to maximize the lifespan of their infrastructure, sometimes as much as 5 to 10 years," said Lyon. "The Smart Mobile architecture helps us get the most from our investment."
"ODS solved the problem that many schools are facing today -- they simply do not have enough floor space to put dedicated computer systems in each classroom," said Trapeze president and CEO Jim Vogt. "It has been a pleasure working with ODS to deliver a Smart Mobile solution to address their needs. Trapeze Smart Mobile wireless LAN enables ODS, and many school systems like them, to increase the availability of computers to enhance learning."
