Discover how HPE Networking helps universities modernize learning, strengthen security, and create smarter, more connected campuses through AI-driven, cloud-managed networking.
Across the world, colleges and universities are quietly redefining what it means to connect, collaborate, and create. Behind that transformation lies something invisible yet indispensable, the network. From classrooms to research labs to dorms, it’s what keeps learning continuous, experiments running, and campus life thriving. Every year, EDUCAUSE (a nonprofit association for higher education professionals) surveys higher education CIOs on the challenges keeping them up at night and the ambitions driving them forward. The 2025 list reflects a moment of transformation. These are the top 10 themes:[1]
Figure 1. Top 10 themes for the Higher Education CIO
When CIO challenges met HPE Networking solutions
HPE Networking, uniting the strengths of HPE Aruba Networking and Juniper Networks, has become the backbone of this new digital campus. However, our mission in higher education isn’t just about switches, Wi-Fi, or AI operations; it’s about outcomes. We empower students to learn anywhere, enabling researchers to work faster and helping IT teams spend less time troubleshooting and more time driving innovation. According to the latest 650 Group market share report from 2Q 2025, HPE Networking is now the largest Wi-Fi provider by units shipped globally for the Higher Education market. More details in this blog.
In the next sections, we describe how HPE Networking has become the engine fueling the future of learning for CIOs working on each of the higher education themes.
CIO theme 1) The data-empowered institution
At the University of Maryland,2 the deployment of nearly 19,000 Wi-Fi 6E access points across campus has transformed the institution into a data-driven powerhouse. With over 80,000 devices connecting daily, the network provides real-time analytics that inform decision-making, enhance student experiences, and support cutting-edge research initiatives. This infrastructure not only supports the university's academic mission but also delivers significant cost savings over its lifecycle.
CIO theme 2) Administrative simplification
The University of Reading3 in the UK, faced challenges with fragmented network infrastructure. By adopting HPE Juniper Networking AI-driven networking platform, the university streamlined its operations, reducing the number of network-related help desk tickets. AIOps empowered front-line support staff to solve more problems independently, leading to increased efficiency and a more responsive IT environment.
CIO theme 3) Smoothing the student journey
James Cook University4 in Singapore, leveraged HPE Juniper Networking to support seamless hybrid learning experiences. During the pandemic, the network facilitated over 60,000 virtual sessions, ensuring that students, whether on campus or remote, had uninterrupted access to educational resources. This infrastructure has enabled the university to continue providing flexible learning environments post-pandemic.
CIO theme 4) A matter of trust
University of Hertfordshire5 selected HPE Juniper Networking to build a secure new network foundation that would underpin the next decade of campus operations. The program established an intrusion-prevention system, centralized fault/configuration/performance management, and significantly improved data-protection capabilities. With these changes in place, the institution strengthened its security posture, protected sensitive research and learning assets, and built a trusted digital environment.
CIO theme 5) The CIO challenge
Kent State University6 faced the challenge of modernizing its campus network to support a growing number of devices and applications. By standardizing on HPE Aruba Networking, the university achieved a 50% reduction in network downtime and a 30% decrease in IT support tickets. This transformation enabled Kent State to enhance digital learning experiences and improve operational efficiency despite resource constraints.
CIO theme 6) Institutional resilience
In the face of unforeseen challenges, institutional resilience is paramount. The University of Edinburgh’s7 adoption of HPE Aruba Networking has enabled the institution to maintain continuity of operations, ensuring that both students and staff have reliable access to digital resources, regardless of external disruptions. This resilience supports the university’s commitment to providing uninterrupted educational experiences.
CIO theme 7) Faster, better, and cheaper
Keele University8 in the UK, achieved a significant reduction in total cost of ownership by transitioning to a unified, cloud-managed networking solution from HPE Aruba Networking. This move not only enhanced network performance but also streamlined management processes, delivering both efficiency and cost savings. The university’s investment in this infrastructure supports its long-term digital transformation goals.
CIO theme
For Purdue University,9 the focus was on equipping their IT organization and researchers with the network tools and training to succeed. HPE Aruba Networking wireless and IoT deployment enabled researchers at a 1408-acre agronomy station to collect real-time data, run experiments faster, and support field-scale innovation. According to Purdue, HPE solutions help them reduce the time to translate scientific research into technologies that will enhance food security and improve lives around the world.
CIO theme 9) Taming the digital jungle
Managing a diverse array of devices and applications can be daunting. New Brunswick Community College10 in Canada utilized HPE Aruba Networking solutions were utilized to integrate various technologies, creating a cohesive and manageable digital ecosystem that supports both on-campus and remote learning environments. The college’s approach ensures that all users have consistent and secure access to digital resources.
CIO theme 10 tie) Building bridges, not walls
The University of Tokyo’s11 implementation of a unified network architecture exemplifies the importance of collaboration and integration. By connecting disparate systems and departments, the university has fostered an environment of cooperation, breaking down silos and promoting a more inclusive academic community. This approach supports the institution’s mission to provide equitable access to educational resources.
CIO theme 10 tie) Supportable, sustainable, and affordable
At Canterbury Christ Church University,12 the focus was very much on building a network backbone that the institution could support for years, while controlling cost and aligning with its digital ambitions. By deploying the HPE Aruba Networking network fabric, the university reduced firewall appliance-licensing costs by 20%, simplified its data center architecture, and built a unified infrastructure that spans edge-to-core with fewer vendor silos. This modern platform gives the university a sustainable and affordable foundation for its digital campus transformation, one that future-proofs expansion, supports high performance, and keeps management overhead in check.
Connecting ambition to achievement
Different continents, different needs, yet the same result: networks that empower rather than constrain. The outcomes tell a clear story. Students and faculty stay connected no matter where or how they learn. IT teams regain time and peace of mind. Institutions save millions, reduce complexity, and build networks ready for whatever comes next, from AI research to smart-campus innovation.
These stories remind us that the most meaningful technology investments aren’t defined only by bandwidth or bitrates. They’re defined by the value they deliver to people, the students striving to learn, the researchers pushing boundaries, and the staff making it all possible.
For every university looking ahead, HPE Networking is ready to help them connect their ambitions to their outcomes, reliably, securely, and beautifully. Because at the end of the day, the best networks are the ones that make everything else work better.
For more information, please visit hpe.com/us/en/solutions/higher-education.html
[2] “University of Maryland enhances student success and world-class research by standardizing on HPE Aruba Networking,” HPE Newsroom, February 13, 2024.
[3] “University of Reading reimagines its campus network to support student engagement and success,” HPE Juniper Networking.
[4] “James Cook University Singapore powers learning with an AI-driven network,” HPE Juniper Networking, January 2024.
[5] “UK University Builds a Secure New Network Platform for the Next Decade,” HPE Juniper Networking.
[6] “Kent State University case study,” HPE.
[7] “European Electronique and Aruba networks deliver next generation infrastructure for the University of Edinburgh,” European Electronique.
[8] “Sustainable Digital Network Transformation at Keele University,” Qolcom.
[9] “A PROMISE TO FIGHT WORLD HUNGER,” HPE.
[10] “NBCC connects learners with ingenious academic and training opportunities powered by HPE Aruba Networking,” HPE Newsroom, October 17, 2023.
[11] “The University of Tokyo reforms ICT to support world-class research and education,” HPE Juniper Networking, September 2023.
[12] “CANTERBURY CHRIST CHURCH UNIVERSITY EMBRACES THE HPE ARUBA CX 10000 WITH AMD PENSANDO™ TO MODERNIZE ITS DATA CENTER,” AMD.
Meet the author:
Vinnie Strey
Director of Industry Marketing
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vstrey/
