Upgrading residential connectivity at a UK university

Block worked with one UK university to upgrade connectivity in halls, avoiding disruptions to teaching while working to short timeframes.

Block worked with a top UK university to modernise the wireless and wired infrastructure in student halls. The digital team deployed HPE Juniper Mist to establish a cloud-managed network, creating a home-from-home connectivity experience in a small delivery window.

8 days

For secure deployment during the semester break.

52

Residential switches replaced.

495

Wireless access points replaced.

Phase one: A cloud-managed network

The university and Block focused on deploying a modern, cloud-managed residential network during eight days of the Easter holidays. This included:

  • Configuring the HPE Juniper Mist platform for better visibility.
  • Integrating Juniper Mist with existing authentication systems.
  • Installing two Juniper Mist Edge appliances.
  • Replacing 52 residential network switches.
  • Replacing 495 Wi-Fi access points across two residences.
  • Testing, migrating, and supporting go-live.
  • Delivering training and handover to the university’s digital team.

Phase two: Home-from-home wireless

We built on the cloud-managed network during the summer holidays by deploying high speed connectivity across 1,200 residential rooms. Now, students can securely connect multiple devices through a self-service onboarding portal, which quickly authenticates using university credentials. The result is a much better digital experience for students as well as stronger BYOD defences.

Faced with a small time window to make big changes?
We deploy network infrastructure in immovable delivery windows.

 

Three friends playing video games