Overview
Better education starts with better wireless. Whether accessing digital content, collaborating on projects or taking tests, a slow connection is unacceptable. When CDM ICT was tasked with providing Wi-Fi connectivity for a school in Belgium, they searched for a high-performance, high-density solution.
The Challenge
CDM ICT, a one-stop solution provider based in Belgium, handles site surveys, installations and training for IT services. They needed to provide Wi-Fi connectivity for a school while meeting a total cost of ownership period of five years, which included the Wi-Fi access points (AP), a limited lifetime warranty and fiveyear cloud management. When weighing their options, CDM ICT worked with Cambium distributor WiMood and ultimately chose Cambium Networks’ Wi-Fi solutions for their price-performance ratio compared to competing solutions. When it came down to Cambium Networks and one other solution, they ultimately went with Cambium due to the competitor’s costly licensing model, lower performance and limited warranty.
The Solution
After a site survey, CDM ICT created a plan using Cambium Networks’ Wi-Fi Designer tool based on the school’s floorplans. They worked with the school to decide on the number and positioning of Wi-Fi APs, and CDM ICT preconfigured the equipment in the cloud-managed cnMaestro™ wireless network manager. CDM ICT organized a training session for the ICT coordinators. Once the new network cables were set up, they installed the cnMatrix switch and Wi-Fi APs. The whole process took one month.
They are using Cambium Networks’:
- XV3-8 Wi-Fi 6 access points (8×8/4×4 MU-MIMO)
- cnMatrix™ EX2028P switch (24-port, 400W, PoE)
- cnMaestro™ cloud management
The Results
Now, 500 students, teachers and administrative staff are connected to the Wi-Fi network. The network supports cloud applications for learning in 18 classrooms. All enjoy the higher performance and throughput. Teachers give lessons without interruptions, backend staff can work without issues, and students can stay organized if working remotely.
The XV3-8 delivers an average of 47% higher bidirectional throughput in tri-radio mode compared to the competitor. The XV3-8 delivers an average of 2.4x higher price-performance ratio and has an average of 38% lower TCO than the competing solution. With Cambium Networks, there are no more paid licenses for updates and the wireless network management system.