Five ways private 5G is making higher ed even smarter

[NetworkExperts]

Augmenting Wi-Fi networks with private 5G can help colleges and universities meet the high expectations of students while keeping critical operations running smoothly.

Higher education institutions face a variety of challenges as they seek to deliver an exceptional experience for students—while keeping campuses operating safely and efficiently. As colleges and universities increasingly embrace technology to stay competitive, private 5G networks are emerging as a game changer, offering a range of benefits to meet the evolving needs of modern higher education. Here are five ways that private 5G is making higher ed even smarter:

1. Private 5G ensures mission-critical communications

Today’s students expect lightning-fast Wi-Fi, regardless of where they may be at any given time. However, even the most well-designed campus Wi-Fi network can experience congestion and disruption, particularly if it’s being used by more than just students and faculty. A dedicated private 5G network for staff and operational personnel can ensure that critical campus services, such as maintenance and security, stay connected without having to compete for precious Wi-Fi bandwidth.

2. Private 5G expands campus-wide connectivity

Since private 5G is designed to operate at high power levels, it can cover wide areas with just a few small cell radios, which is ideal for a sporting event or other large gathering (like a commencement ceremony) that may be in a part of campus with less Wi-Fi coverage. In this scenario, Wi-Fi can continue to accommodate end users, while the private 5G network remains separate for connecting back-end systems such as ticketing, point-of-sale, or on-field communications.

3. Private 5G improves campus operations and efficiency

Colleges and universities are increasingly implementing smart campus solutions, such as IoT sensors for monitoring energy use and optimizing HVAC systems, to operate more efficiently and reduce their carbon footprint. A dedicated private 5G network for these devices ensures timely and accurate data collection so that systems remain up and running optimally.

4. Private 5G helps keep campuses safe

Campus security is a top concern for higher ed administrators as well as current and prospective students. Using private 5G, administrators can rest assured that critical security resources such as blue light boxes and CCTV cameras will stay connected, without costly and disruptive underground cabling.

5. Private 5G powers advanced research

Research labs are emerging as a differentiator for universities, serving as both a key financial driver and a way to attract and retain top-tier students and faculty. The ability of private 5G to support high-speed mobility, cover wide areas, and perform well in challenging RF environments can provide the guaranteed connectivity needed to conduct cutting-edge research in attractive areas like robotics, autonomous vehicles, environmental sustainability, and agriculture.

By investing in private 5G, higher ed can deliver pervasive and always-on connectivity, enhance campus operations and security, and support cutting-edge research efforts, ultimately providing a superior experience for students, faculty, and staff. As technology continues to evolve, the adoption of private 5G will likely become a standard for forward-thinking colleges and universities.

To learn more about the benefits of private 5G and how higher ed is leveraging private 5G for the most challenging use cases, read our whitepaper How Private 5G is Enhancing the University Campus Experience. This whitepaper provides valuable insights into the significant opportunity private 5G represents for colleges and universities looking to gain a competitive edge.

For more information on private 5G, click here.

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This blog is authored by Scott Dennehy, senior product marketing manager at HPE Aruba Networking, responsible for helping organizations understand the market trends and benefits of private 5G solutions.