Xirrus: Fastest and Most Reliable Wi-Fi
Morehouse evaluated leading Wi-Fi solutions by deploying them in challenging campus areas, including old buildings with walls four feet thick.“Of the three Wi-Fi networks we tested, Xirrus was the fastest and most reliable,” Russell says.“Now we have abundant throughput. We have excellent coverage. And we have fantastic cloud management tools.” More than 3,000 people use the Xirrus network, including the President, Provost, vice presidents, faculty, staff and students. Students and staff have a single sign-on for multiple campus systems, including Xirrus Wi-Fi, the learning management system, video-over-IP and others.
In the Residence Halls: Studies and Entertainment
The Xirrus Wi-Fi network made its debut in the residence halls. Students use it both for studies and relaxation, such as watching movies and playing games.“Now everyone in a study group can connect at the same time,” Russell says.
In the Classroom: Foundation for Innovative Instruction
Faculty members take advantage of the Xirrus network and students’ mobile devices to introduce new ways of learning. One example is the flipped classroom: Watching video lectures before class and using class time for activities that hone students’ communications and critical- thinking skills.
“Saying Wi-Fi contributes to learning is like saying air contributes to living,” says Russell.“It’s an invisible foundation. With Xirrus, the technology fades in the background. Students and professors can focus on the subject matter instead of worrying about the technology because it always works.”