Meru’s virtual cell architecture proven as only one to reliably deliver full potential of 802.11n to extremely high user density without dropout or loss of performance in ground-breaking new e-learning environment

London, 8th September 2009 – Wireless networking from Meru is helping two prestigious Kent academies transition into a fully shared and integrated educational model.

By 2010 Maidstone’s New Line Learning Academies will be transformed into wireless “hubs” of interactive learning, with Meru Networks providing the wireless. Meru was chosen over other vendors for its distinctive virtual cell wireless LAN architecture, which makes it capable of running 802.11n at full speed in both spectrums, while simultaneously supporting an extremely high density of users without any dropouts, disconnections or other interruptions to service. Building Zones, a specialist in using wireless networks to support creative and productive work and learning environments, guided the Academies through the design of their new wireless elearning spaces. 

Charles Ealham, New Line Learning Federation Network Manager, said:  “We considered two other solutions that used ‘microcell’ architectures, but these were ruled out because the vendors had never really had experience trying to support over 120 users all in one room. It was like a new concept to them. It soon became clear that Meru was the right choice for our unique requirements.”

The rebuild marks a pedagogic shift towards fully integrated elearning, in which students are encouraged to engage at their own pace with a skills-based curriculum. From the beginning, the crux of the plan was flexibility: students needed to be able to work wherever they needed to work using wireless netbooks and state-of-the-art audio visuals. Reliable, high performance wireless networking, therefore, was key.
 
“We needed a wireless vendor capable of supporting over one hundred students comfortably in one room,” explained Alan Enfield, New Line Learning Federation Vice Principal. “Our current existing network would not do it. It could support 20 users, but once you got over 25 the APs would be overloaded.”

Meru Networks has the peerless ability to deliver 802.11n at full power while simultaneously handling extremely high user densities without dropouts or failed connections. Meru is able to do this because of its innovative virtual cell WLAN architecture, which selects a single channel for use by all access points enterprise-wide, layering additional channels as more capacity is required. A “virtual port” is assigned to each client device to maximise performance, reliability and enterprise control over wireless resources. Meru thus eliminates the time-consuming channel planning and AP power adjustments that plague other vendors, without compromising on speed or quality. It sounds simple, but Meru’s “wireless without compromise” has the revolutionary potential of transforming communication.

“The network is so reliable it’s almost like it’s not even there,” said Alan Enfield. “It just blends into the background. Meru does exactly what it says it does; we even run student exams on it. We were trialling Meru in Plaza 3, but all signs indicate that we will be extending Meru’s enterprise wireless capabilities to the other plazas as well. ”

“I applaud the New Line Learning Federation for its vision and determination in using Meru to help make its educational dream a reality,” said David Kelly, Meru VP of international sales. “The Academies’ foresight and dedication to preparing students for the future have earned them thought-leader status in the arena of education and ICT.”

The Academies’ design plans centre on the concept of “elearning plazas”: purpose-built rooms large enough to fit an entire year group comfortably. The plazas are equipped with a wide range of multimedia, including a video wall comprised of nine 40-inch LCD screens (fantastic for compare-and-contrast assignments); a touch-sensitive, interactive 70-inch screen (great for mapping projects); two further 40-inch screens; one projector; a tiered mezzanine area for breakout groups and quiet discussions; moveable furniture, including twin sets of cushy tiered seating (called “bananas”); and wireless internet access provided by Meru Networks. In the environment, students are free roam and learn with assistance from their teachers, who can alter the format of the room with the simple click of a button. Wireless handheld AMX units control everything in the room, from audiovisual input and output to multicoloured lighting and the blinds.

Plaza Three at Cornwallis Academy has been fully operational with Meru wireless for over three months. Vice Principal Alan Enfield said the wireless networking infrastructure is working so well that it largely goes unnoticed, seamlessly integrating itself into the school’s design and the students’ daily routines.

Administrators are thrilled with the changes already apparent in the students’ behaviour.

“The kids are already becoming more independent and resourceful,” said David Simons, Head of Cornwallis Academy. “They’re better at self-regulating their own behaviour and working in teams. They’ve really started thinking about the bigger questions, too. I am extremely pleased with what this environment can enable.”

Teachers also benefit from the integrated elearning environment.

“There are benefits to teaching in a group,” explained Simons. “It is much easier for teachers to collaborate and share knowledge in an open environment than it is by themselves, shut up in their own classrooms with the doors closed. Training is simplified because it is taking places for all teachers at every stage of the process.”

“I am absolutely convinced that this model is the way forward for schools in the 21st century,” said Simons.

Inspired by the promise of what Meru can enable, Cornwallis Academy recently hosted a reseller/end user event to discuss how wireless can transform learning into a fully shared experience. At the event, Simons compared the Academies’ new, fully integrated teaching model to the more traditional, 19th-century “control” teaching model. In the traditional, 19th century teaching model, said Simons, one teacher stands in front of a blackboard and distributes knowledge to a classroom full of students who learn passively – or not at all. In this model, teachers have control over the knowledge students receive. Simons said this approach is no longer necessary. He argued that today’s students must be trained to communicate, think and work proactively and independently.

“Our economy has changed since the 19th century,” said Simons. “Why should our classrooms still be the same?”

And why should wireless still be the same? Meru has been positioned by Gartner as the most “Visionary” wireless LAN vendor for the last three years in a row. The distinction is no mere hype. By delivering the full bandwidth of 802.11n to hundreds of students simultaneously, without compromising on quality or dropping connections, the visionary wireless vendor is enabling the visions of a new generation.