Education Tis shiſt, accelerated by recent advancements in new technologies


like AI, has prompted colleges and universities to adapt and rethink their approaches. To keep up, these institutions have rushed to implement more classroom technology, such as online learning management systems and downloadable recorded lectures, placing additional pressure on IT teams. As a result, stronger and more flexible networks with higher capacity are necessary. Higher education institutions can leverage advanced network


solutions to unify campus networks and simplify management, creating a more secure, robust, and connected environment that enhances learning.


Network fabric A fabric network is an advanced, soſtware-defined networking architecture that creates a dynamic and automated way to connect devices, applications, and users across a campus or institution. Unlike traditional hierarchical networks, fabric networks use a virtualised, mesh-like structure that simplifies network management, allowing traffic to move through the most efficient paths without manual intervention. Tis self-forming and self-provisioning design enables seamless scalability, making it easy for organisations – including university campuses with changing needs and multiple buildings – to expand their network infrastructure without complex reconfigurations. Fabric networks can also be hyper-segmented – ensuring sensitive data remains isolated from a growing ecosystem of IoT devices and digital learning tools. Ultimately, this modern approach empowers IT teams to focus less on troubleshooting and more on driving innovation in education. For example, City, University of London, a leading international


institute recognised for its high student satisfaction, faced the challenge of simplifying its network infrastructure to minimise errors and downtime. It also needed to ensure scalable capacity to support future growth and rising demands from students and staff. To address this, the university deployed Extreme Fabric, eliminating manual intervention and enabling the network to easily accommodate more users, devices, and applications without complex redesigns. Te fabric network’s self-provisioning capabilities have drastically


simplified network management, giving IT staff the flexibility and confidence to make real-time decisions and adjustments without hesitation. With automated operations handling routine network tasks, staff now have more time to focus on strategic projects and improving the digital learning environment. As a result, students enjoy seamless access to educational platforms, streaming services, and media-rich content across campus – without delays or connectivity issues. Te network is also future-proof, ready to support new programs and curriculum changes while scaling effortlessly to handle increasing device usage. Adopting Extreme Fabric has enhanced user satisfaction with IT services, reduced downtime, and created a resilient, agile infrastructure that supports dynamic, technology-driven learning. Luminate Education Group, a collective of education providers


throughout Yorkshire, also leveraged Extreme Fabric to build a futureproof, scalable network that seamlessly supports its 17 campuses, 30,000 students, and 2,000 staff members. With the flexibility of fabric technology, Luminate can expand network capacity quickly and efficiently as new campuses are added without the need for complex redesigns or downtime. Te self-provisioning and automated nature


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of the fabric network has reduced the burden on Luminate’s small IT team, allowing them to manage over 7,500 wireless devices and 4,000 desktops easily.


Robust wireless connectivity Another key element of the smart campus is robust wireless connectivity. As technology increasingly integrates into classrooms and a shiſt toward online learning becomes apparent, educational institutions must prioritise secure, scalable Wi-Fi connectivity. Tis requires advanced Wi-Fi solutions combining robust hardware


with intelligent soſtware, providing the bandwidth for digital learning tools, online resources, and interactive applications. Embedded security is another critical factor. By incorporating advanced security features like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), which verifies users and devices before granting access to resources, institutions can protect sensitive student information and ensure compliance with relevant regulations like GDPR. Runshaw College, a single-campus learning institution with


14 buildings, 650 staff, and 5,000 students, is an example of the transformative power of modern Wi-Fi. Previously, the college was running on an ageing network infrastructure built in 2014, which was struggling to meet the demands of its primarily on-site student population. Student feedback highlighted a significant need for faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. By upgrading to Extreme Networks’ Wi-Fi 6 solution, Runshaw College modernised its infrastructure and improved connectivity across its entire campus, enabling it to support modern curriculums and smart classrooms.


The future of higher education In today’s cloud-driven world, universities rely on various digital tools–virtual classrooms, learning management systems, and student information platforms. Too oſten, these tools operate in isolation, creating disconnected experiences for both students and staff. Recent research highlights this growing strain, with 50% of IT leaders struggling to manage expanding responsibilities. Tis is where platformisation can offer a solution. Integrating


networking, AI, and security into a single, unified platform simplifies network management, strengthens cybersecurity, and delivers a seamless digital experience. It empowers institutions to break down silos, streamline operations, and embrace AI-driven innovations–such as smart classrooms with AI tutors and immersive AR/VR learning environments—that are now within reach, thanks to advancements in connectivity. By unifying every aspect of a university–academic, administrative,


and operational–into a cohesive ecosystem, platformisation brings a new level of simplicity and efficiency for education leaders, allowing them to spend less time managing fragmented systems and more time focusing on student success. Coupled with the flexibility of cloud-based learning and mobile-


friendly resources, the education sector is on track to create a much more connected and accessible learning environment where the next generation can thrive. By adopting advanced networking solutions and a platform-first approach, institutions can move beyond simply managing technology – they can harness it to drive innovation, support educators, and equip students with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.


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