The Australian Education Sector has transformed dramatically over the last 20 years. Among the most significant changes is the evolution in how technology is utilised across institutions for learning, teaching and operations. Studies from the US show University students are connecting up to five devices at a time to access learning resources, including learning management systems (LMSs), video and web conferencing, along with general research. For Australian universities and boarding schools with on-campus accommodation, students are also connecting to the University’s networks for gaming, smart TVs and access to social media via their phones and laptops.
Additionally, many campuses are adopting IoT-enabled technologies for security, lighting, and heating purposes. This blend of traditional and modern technologies places increasing demands on network infrastructure.
Given these challenges, Australian educational organisations are confronting a pressing question: How can we prevent network failures and meet the escalating demands for connectivity?
The solution lies in network monitoring, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and performance of these interconnected systems. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the significance of network monitoring for modern campuses and how it addresses their evolving connectivity needs.
The Australian Digital Education Revolution: Unique Challenges and Network Monitoring Solutions
Over recent years, Australian schools have witnessed a significant evolution in their use of technology. The Internet has become the central enabling mechanism for students to gather information, share ideas, and access economic opportunities. With this digital shift, there has been an increasing reliance on applications and the necessary physical infrastructure to support these dynamic technological demands.
This upsurge in device connectivity has brought with it several challenges, including:
- Network Overload and Performance Degradation: The influx of devices puts a strain on existing network infrastructure, leading to network overload. This tends to result in decreased performance, slower internet speeds, and increased downtime, all of which hinder the educational process.
- Complex Network Management: The diversity and volume of devices make network management more complex. IT departments must ensure that all devices are efficiently integrated into the network, receive necessary updates, and do not conflict with each other.
- Increased Security Risks: More devices mean more potential entry points for cyber threats. Educational institutions must strengthen their network security to protect against malware, phishing attacks, and unauthorised access.
Alongside these challenges, the paramount importance of student privacy and safety in digital learning environments cannot be overstated. Schools have a duty of care to:
- Protect Student Data: Safeguarding students’ personal and academic information is critical. This involves implementing robust data protection measures and privacy policies.
- Ensure Safe Digital Learning Spaces: Schools must create secure online environments free from cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and other online risks.
- Defend Against Cyber Threats: Implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures to defend against malicious actors is crucial. This includes firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits.
De La Salle College and Paessler
De La Salle College, a boys-only Catholic school in Melbourne, serves over 1,100 students and 150 staff members. The college faced substantial challenges during the Digital Education Revolution (DER). As Anthony Prescott, the Senior Network Engineer at De La Salle College, observed, the DER brought a “huge drain on resources,” despite the funding it provided. The college embarked on a one-to-one notebook program, which required a significant upgrade of their existing infrastructure.
Prescott notes that engaging with Paessler AG, a global network monitoring specialist, was a turning point. This partnership was part of a larger project aimed at deploying notebooks to all students and staff and upgrading the entire school’s wireless infrastructure. “Before this rollout, there was a loss of faith in the ICT department… but this was turned around in a big way. We now have a massive amount of reliability. All services are up and going all the time,” Prescott explains.
Network Monitoring with Paessler’s PRTG
In addressing the challenges of the Digital Education Revolution, Paessler’s PRTG Network Monitor plays a crucial role. This tool stands out as an effective solution for comprehensive network monitoring in educational environments.
PRTG Network Monitor is designed to provide extensive visibility into a variety of devices and systems within a network. Its capability to monitor numerous points and systems simultaneously is a key feature, enabling IT managers to systematically identify and rectify issues, thereby enhancing the overall network reliability and performance.
One of the distinctive aspects of PRTG is its approach to monitoring remote locations. Unlike traditional methods that require full software instances at each site, PRTG uses remote probes to gather data. These probes send information to a central instance via SSL encryption. This innovative approach not only reduces costs, as each PRTG licence permits the setting of multiple probes, but also simplifies the maintenance process.
Additionally, PRTG’s adaptability in monitoring heterogeneous IT environments is particularly beneficial for educational institutions dealing with a mix of old and new technologies. Its Custom Sensors feature allows administrators to easily integrate a wide range of devices and applications into the monitoring system, even those that are not typically included in standard monitoring solutions.
PRTG also addresses the integration of non-IT systems, such as building automation and laboratory technologies. Whether these systems support standards like KNX bus or MODBUS, or require integration through a well-documented API, PRTG provides the necessary tools and flexibility for comprehensive monitoring.
Moreover, the use of PRTG can significantly alleviate the workload on IT staff. With features that allow flexible and location-independent access, as well as comprehensive alarm and notification systems, IT teams can efficiently manage networks without the need to be on-site constantly. The support for mobile platforms like iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile, coupled with push notification options, further enhances the ability to monitor and respond to network issues remotely.
Paessler’s PRTG Network Monitor emerges as a versatile and efficient solution for the complex network monitoring needs of educational institutions in the digital age. Its comprehensive features ensure not just the smooth functioning of IT infrastructure but also support the evolving digital demands of modern education.
Meet with Hat Distribution today to learn how Paessler can give your education institution best-in-class network visibility.