Swansea University case study

The freedom to study, the technology to grow

With ever-increasing competition in the Higher Education sector, Swansea University turned to technology to help them stand out from the crowd. But with a large campus and a wide variety of building styles to consider, installing state-of-the-art e-learning facilities wasn’t set to be a simple operation.

Staff at this coastal university wanted to attract the best students from around the world by offering advanced online learning and communication facilities - available throughout the campus. And by developing a reputation as a desirable place to study and a Centre of Excellence, the resulting high student numbers would secure maximum Government funding for Swansea University.

A campus-wide Broadband Wireless Network from ntl:Telewest Business was the solution. Hands-on account management and a close working relationship with the University’s IT team kept over 3,000 students connected throughout – implementing the new network without a hitch.

Instant access to the education of the future

Located next to Britain’s first area of outstanding natural beauty, the Gower Peninsula, Swansea is the university of choice to over 10,000 under and postgraduate students, studying over 650 courses. Our wireless network solution will enable every student to access the internet and internal college networks from anywhere on campus – to study and communicate at their convenience.

Going the distance for complete connection

Relying heavily on the internet as a key teaching tool - but now looking for something more flexible and sophisticated - staff and students needed a change, “We wanted broadband access for all halls of residence – there was a push from the students and a drive towards introducing e-learning from the University,” explains Tony Ollier, Deputy Director of Library and Information Services, Swansea University.

Tony turned to us for advice on the best way of connecting halls of residence 3km away from the main site. This was to be one of the UK’s most ambitious academic wireless broadband projects, and he was confident that our experienced consultants had the right level of expertise needed. “Swansea University has been part of an ntl:Telewest Business programme for several years, so this wireless solution was a logical upgrade.”

Managing challenges, delivering results

Proactive account management was vital to make sure this complex project would be a success. Our consultants worked closely with the University to plan a flexible and cost effective design for the major new network, set to change the working lives of staff and students. Buildings on the campus vary wildly in their design – from 150 year old listed buildings with three-foot thick walls to ultra-modern timber framed structures. Variations in signal transmissions were drastic, so our radio engineers undertook detailed site surveys to calculate the best positions for wireless access points, to gain coverage for the entire campus

Implementing change, seamlessly

Installation of the new network rolled out over four phases, starting with rooms in the halls of residence on the main campus. With around 3,000 students to consider, it was vital that network downtime was minimised. The University kept its old wired infrastructure in place just in case, but it wasn’t used. Tony was delighted with the results, “As the project developed, there were no major hiccups. It’s great to work with ntl:Telewest Business - the project has exceeded our expectations.”

Immediate demand demonstrated just how popular the wireless network was going to be with the students. And after a smooth implementation, two dedicated members of university staff are now responsible for ongoing network management – enabling students to rely on it 24/7 for their studies.

What it has made possible

Students can now work and study at their convenience, with access to e-learning, online resources and the UK academic network at their fingertips, from any point on the campus. Learning modules can be completed online and course work submitted electronically, giving students and staff the unrivalled freedom to work wherever suits them.

Garry Astley, Assistant Director of Business Services, Swansea University, is excited about the impact the solution will have on student applications, “The University can use the wireless broadband network to influence students’ application decisions during open days.” Not only is the new network expected to boost student numbers – and Government funding, it also makes it possible for e-learning to take off, making studying more accessible and Swansea University

one of the most advanced educational facilities in the UK.