Nearly 5 billion people use the internet frequently. For many of them, their access comes not from the home internet but Wi-Fi provided by universities, workplaces, and local authorities. These ‘Campus Area Networks’ (or CANs) make up the invisible backbone of many of the world’s connectivity.
So why don’t we know more about them?
In this guide, we’ll take a quick look at what sets campus networks apart and how to troubleshoot issues users might run into when using them.
Let’s check it out!
What Is a Campus Network?
Simply put; a campus network is a network that covers a large but limited area. For example, if you’ve ever connected to the Wi-Fi on a university campus or at a large office complex, it was probably a CAN.
CANs differ from other kinds of networks by their scope. They aren’t on the same level as a city-wide metropolitan network because they operate in a much more limited space. Also, the actual infrastructure of the CAN is usually owned and operated by a single entity.
That control is a vital part of what makes the campus area network so useful. Because a CAN is a singular entity, IT teams can quickly apply security policies and changes that keep users safe. That’s not an option on more patchwork network solutions.
On the other hand, you might ask what separates a campus network from your own home Wi-Fi. After all, you control all the infrastructure in your home. Well, it’s not a CAN for the simple reason that your home is quite a lot smaller than a college campus.
To boil it down, what sets a campus network apart from other networks is scale and control.
How Do You Solve Network Issues on a CAN?
So, let’s say you’re sold on the benefits of a campus network and now administrate one for your workplace or university. It’s safe, easy, and a cinch to look after.
There’s just one problem.
Imagine there’s a network issue with Wi-Fi speeds on your system. With thousands of devices sharing your infrastructure, pinning down whatever’s causing the problem is a nightmare.
Luckily, there’s a solution.
After all, enterprise-level tech has enterprise-level tools. One of the great things about operating a campus area network is the available tools to resolve problems that arise.
For example, problems with sluggish Wi-Fi speeds? Grab a campus network monitoring tool, and you’ll track down the culprit in no time at all. Pretty handy, right?
Wi-Fi for Everyone
The great thing about a campus network is that it allows you to service thousands of devices without sacrificing security. When you run into an issue administrating a CAN, you can apply a snappy patch or policy to rectify the problem without fuss.
Likewise, the range of tools available to campus network admins can make finding and fixing problems easier than ever.
Because these days, we all need good internet.
Liked this article? Check out our site for more!