High Density Wireless Will Meet Mobile Demands

September 20, 2011 ::Shirely Ross, Information Systems and Computing

More and more mobile devices are showing up on Penn’s campus and in classrooms as part of the delivery of instructional content. To ensure wireless access throughout the length of a class, ISC has installed High Density Wireless Service.

When large numbers of people converge in specific areas - such as classrooms, conference rooms, and other large spaces - and need simultaneous access to AirPennNet (Penn’s wireless network), it requires large bandwidth to support the applications on their mobile devices. Standard wireless service won’t meet these needs.

That’s where High Density Wireless Service comes in. HD Wireless accommodates a high concentration of devices in a specific area, ensuring fast connection to AirPennNet. HD Wireless involves installation of more wireless APs or Access Points – technology devices that allow wireless devices to connect to a wired network.

ISC has completed several HD Wireless installations, mostly in classrooms in the Graduate School of Education, Wharton, the School of Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School of Fine Arts. Test results proved HD Wireless more than able to handle 180 devices in a single classroom and able to support the use of iPads for classroom instruction.