HP ProCurve Networking links TUT campuses

A new backbone interconnects TUT campuses and provides a new link to the national network.

HP ProCurve South Africa has implemented a Network Backbone Infrastructure across ten Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) campuses; delivering connectivity to over 60 000 users.

Following the merger of a number of campuses into TUT, there was a need to implement a secure and easily managed centralised networking solution.

The mandate for HP ProCurve, as set out by the TUT ICT Management Team, was to connect all campuses through a scalable and flexible network that would be readily available at all times.

HP ProCurve in conjunction with Eclipse Networks, their partner responsible for integration of this solution, has provided TUT with mobile labs (which can be moved between campuses), allowing staff and students to gain hands-on skills and experience by using the same equipment that has been implemented in the live environment.

HP ProCurve has also trained IT staff members at TUT in the management of the new infrastructure. Five ICT support staff members have also acquired HP certification.

The HP ProCurve solution enables the TUT IT managers to accommodate a converged communications network that caters for future traffic demands without the need for infrastructure redesign.

This has enabled TUT to manage and distribute the bandwidth the university is planning to obtain through SANReN and SEACOM, delivering ten gigabit connectivity between most South African Universities and also allow for high speed international internet access.

“ProCurve Networking technology offers all the benefits of reliability, security and simplicity that we wanted from our wireless network, and its wireless mobility solutions have transformed the way that the university operates,” says Mr. Kabelo Bokala, ICT Director for TUT.

“Students now have easy access to data on all campuses, and lecturers and staff appreciate the flexibility…because they can collaborate on projects more efficiently. HP ProCurve also delivered the best value for money through cost-effective solutions and their very unique true life time warranty. This made HP the obvious choice for our networking infrastructure platform across the institution.”

“HP ProCurve used this opportunity to showcase its above-standard service offerings and its commitment to being a long-term IT partner for the university,” says Lorna Hardie, Country Manager, HP ProCurve, HP South Africa.