CASE STUDY
IF ANY VULNERABILITIES ARE DETECTED , THE SYSTEM AUTOMATICALLY TAKES REMEDIATION STEPS SUCH AS PERFORMING OPERATING SYSTEM AND SOFTWARE UPDATES . THIS ENSURES THAT EVERY DEVICE THAT CONNECTS TO OUR NETWORK IS AUTHENTICATED AND SECURE . the quality and integrity of services could be maintained at consistently high levels .
Aruba deliver a host of benefits
For Ismail and his team , the decision to partner with Aruba has paid dividends on multiple fronts – with world-class solution design and logistics support , the flexibility to repurpose investments and a rapid realisation of ROI on the first phase , being highlights of the engagement .
Navigating lockdown logistics
Despite the impact of COVID-19 and logistical challenges , the implementation was completed within just eight to ten weeks .
An expertly crafted design , based on a detailed wireless heatmap , ensured the coverage of each Access Point was maximised while the high density PoE + capability of the Aruba switches enabled these APs to be easily installed without the added complexity of power cabling . was aware of the risks of vendor lock-in arising from inflexible proprietary solution architectures .
Other network connected devices such as security cameras and IP telephones have been similarly implemented with ease .
“ We will be introducing several internationally acclaimed educational institutions to the region and need to ensure our environment is flexible , scalable and built on open standards . Aruba ticked all these boxes ,” Ismail explained .
Establishing a rock-solid foundation
Starting with the first phase of TKH , consisting of different buildings with more than 60 classrooms , 20 lecture halls and workshops and 250 staff offices as well as recreational facilities and common areas , Ismail and his IT team worked closely with Aruba to implement Layer 3 switching and wireless Access Points ( APs ).
“ We selected Wi-Fi 6 capable solutions because as a university , we are constantly introducing the very latest innovations to ensure our students have rapid access to the cutting-edge digital technologies ,” said Ismail .
To deliver secure access for professors and admin staff while providing convenient wireless connectivity for visitors and guests , and to facilitate bring your own device ( BYOD ) for students in a controlled and uncompromisingly secure manner , the university implemented Aruba ClearPass . Ismail and his team also decided to leverage Airwave Network Management to centrally monitor and manage the entire network so that
Supporting the latest e-Learning tools and devices To deliver its digitally oriented curriculum , TKH makes use of several digital tools including a Learning Management System ( LMS ).
“ The Aruba solution allows students and staff to have seamless , uninterrupted access to these essential learning tools .
“ Moreover , through orchestrated and automated user and devices authentication via ClearPass , they can use these applications on their own personal devices which greatly aids adoption and utilisation ,” said Ismail .
Also using ClearPass , his team has set up a ‘ Guest Portal ’ that conveniently authenticates staff and students based on the same credentials registered in the University ’ s Active Directory .
Moreover , Aruba ’ s solution ensures compliance by automatically conducting a health check on all devices trying to connect to the network .
“ If any vulnerabilities are detected , the system automatically takes remediation steps such as performing operating system and software updates . This ensures that every device that connects to our network is authenticated and secure ,” said Ismail .
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