After each change, impact was carefully analyzed by 7SIGNAL and reported to Avans. The results from the optimization showed dramatic improvements in throughput and other user experience metrics. It was also determined that in a high density Wi-Fi environment, RF automation from the controllers does not always configure the network optimally. Kees Pronk, in commenting on the optimization experience, stated, “Our WLAN was providing reasonable performance, but with the experience and data from 7SIGNAL, we found so much opportunity for improvement. Looking at the results you might think our network was in poor shape to start with, but this was not the case. The network had been carefully planned following industry best practices. I learned during this process that you cannot manage what you cannot measure. Now with 7SIGNAL, we get this continuously. Feedback from our students has been very positive and in social media, we are seeing messages that our Wi-Fi is really fast.”
At the end of the optimization phase, Kees Pronk offered these additional observations: “This was the first time we were able to see trending and user experience metrics from our network. I must say from my side it’s a pleasure to work with such a skilled, dedicated and enthusiastic Wi-Fi / WLAN knowledgeable partner like 7SIGNAL. Our University is ranked high in the Netherlands, and a well tuned, managed Wi-Fi network plays an important part in overall student facilities satisfaction. In a short time, 7SIGNAL has proven to be a key factor for this important Netherlands University.”
With the experience in the Learning Center, Avans elected to expand the 7SIGNAL Sapphire coverage to additional locations in 2 other cities, Hertogenbosch and Tilburg, at similar location study centers with high-density Wi-Fi serving many students. Network device optimization is being repeated by utilizing the data and information from the Learning Center experience. The solution allowed network managers to optimize the different Wi-Fi networks using meaningful metrics reflecting the quality of service from the end-user point of view.
Sapphire is an all-in-one proactive solution with over 600 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Performing measurements according to a pre-defined test profile, data is continuously sampled from the network and results are stored to a database. Sapphire performs automated measurements in all OSI Layers (1-7) testing the network’s capabilities, as well as its ability to deliver on those capabilities. The tracking and trending of performance data contributes to the Wi-Fi analytics offered within the system. These analytics help monitor and verify the performance of the network as the environment as it changes over time.
