A Scenario-Based Approach Drives Network Transformation at Huazhong University of Science and Technology
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
Ruijie's Innovation Journey in University Networks
Ruijie Networks has established a reputation for innovation by developing scenario-based solutions that address specific customer challenges. A prime example is the company's SAM software product, which emerged from
a seemingly mundane yet crucial need: managing network authentication, billing, and administration for university dormitory networks.
In the early days of internet adoption in China, university dormitory networks
were not yet widespread, and no existing products catered to their unique requirements. Ruijie's SAM product filled this gap, offering a comprehensive solution for dormitory network management.
Scenario-Based Innovation Over Two Decades
The introduction of SAM marked a turning point for Ruijie, as it opened doors to the vast higher education market. This project serves as a model for similar initiatives in other universities and industries. University information
centers across China embraced SAM, recognizing its ability to streamline dormitory network operations and enhance student network access.
Ruijie's success with SAM exemplifies its commitment to understanding customer
scenarios and developing tailored solutions that address specific pain points. This approach has been instrumental in establishing Ruijie as a leading provider of network solutions for the education sector, laying the foundation
for future smart campus development.
Top-tier National Key University in China: HUST
Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), located in Wuhan, China, is a prestigious national key university under the Ministry of Education. HUST is part of both the "211 Project" and "985 Project," aiming to develop
top-class universities.
With over 56,000 students and a substantial international community, HUST is known for its robust research output and high academic standards. It features advanced facilities and a vibrant
campus, contributing significantly to China's higher education landscape.
The Challenge of Dorm Wi-Fi
In the early 2000s, as informatization progresses in China's education sector, universities have established networks for teaching, research, and libraries. The next critical project was to develop networks for student dormitories.
These dormitory networks need to manage a large number of nodes, ensure security, and provide flexible charging options, all while implementing secure network authentication.
Empowering Campus Connectivity
After a competitive selection process, Ruijie was chosen to build a robust dormitory network for HUST in four stages. This network successfully connected over 60,000 information nodes across 13 buildings, providing secure and convenient
access for a vast student population.
Unbeatable Security and Flexibility
Ruijie's solution addressed key challenges for HUST. Powerful User Access Control ensured only authorized users could access the network. Logins were further secured by binding user accounts to five unique factors. Additionally,
comprehensive access logs enabled detailed audits for enhanced security and network authentication.
Streamlined Operations and User Convenience
Beyond security, the network offered efficient performance thanks to distributed authentication, eliminating bottlenecks and maximizing network speed. Flexible charging policies catered to diverse student needs, allowing them
to choose payment options like time-based, traffic-based, or pre-paid cards. Easy Network Management provided administrators with a user-friendly interface for managing user accounts, passwords, and charging policies, streamlining
network operation.
SAM: Driving Innovation in Higher Education
Ruijie's scenario-based innovation, exemplified by the SAM system, addressed critical challenges in university dormitory networks. The successful implementation at HUST demonstrates how tailored solutions can meet specific customer
needs and drive significant advancements in the higher education sector. Ruijie’s entry into the market with SAM marked a transformative moment, significantly enhancing the informatization of Chinese universities.
Students enjoy convenient network access for study and personal use.
Flexible authentication and charging ensure network sustainability.
The network provides strong support for the university's expansion and includes robust network authentication capabilities.
From Copper to Fiber: A New Era Demands New Network Innovation
After 2020, the "Fiber In, Copper Out" era ushered in the construction of all-optical networks using new-generation information technologies, crucial for high-quality development across various fields. In higher education, this
synergy sparks innovative and intelligent solutions, propelling the evolution of smart campuses.
HUST manages over 80,000 network accounts, serving 60,000 students and 20,000 faculty members. The campus network supports
up to 78,000 simultaneous online devices and provides seamless wired and wireless connectivity across more than 200 buildings, including offices, classrooms, and dormitories. It covers the main campus, Tongji campus, cybersecurity
base, and medical imaging center, forming a robust foundation for teaching, research, and providing exceptional student network access.
Beyond Capacity: Can HUST Overcome Its Network Challenges?
HUST faced the significant task of upgrading from a traditional copper cable network to a more reliable, efficient, and future-proof optical network solution. The upgrade was driven by several key factors:
Extensive Wireless Coverage
With 81% of users relying on wireless access, the existing network was heavily strained. The wireless network includes 28,000 APs, demanding considerable maintenance efforts.
Outdated Infrastructure
Traditional copper cables were prone to faults and unable to support the growing demand for bandwidth. These networks experienced frequent line failures due to oxidation, corrosion, and poor contact, especially in damp
dormitory environments. Such limitations hinder the development of a robust smart campus infrastructure.
Power Supply Challenges
Traditional power supply methods for APs were bulky and difficult to install, compromising both safety and aesthetics. Providing stable and efficient power supply to APs in various campus locations, including corridors
and public areas, was a significant challenge.
Complexities of Wired Network Management
The large campus, with buildings of various ages, presented challenges in managing and maintaining the wired network. Developing consistent standards for optical network construction was essential to ensure efficient
and reliable implementation.
Innovative Solutions: Ruijie and HUST's Collaborative Network Upgrade
To address these challenges and propel HUST towards a smart campus future, Ruijie collaborated closely with HUST. Ruijie conducted extensive site visits, studied the unique requirements, and innovated to find effective solutions.
This partnership led to the creation of the Simplified Optical Ethernet (SOE) solution. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:
Ethernet-based Optical Network Technology
HUST opted for an Ethernet-based all-optical network, offering enhanced flexibility and scalability to meet future demands. This choice simplifies the network architecture compared to the more complex PON (Passive Optical Network)
systems.
Fiber Optic Infrastructure
Optical fibers replaced traditional copper cables, providing significantly higher bandwidth and lower latency. This upgrade ensures robust support for high-speed data transfer and real-time applications. The shift to fiber
optics greatly reduces the volume of cables and equipment needed, streamlining the network infrastructure.
Centralized & Local Power Supply
The centralized or local power supply approach efficiently powers multiple APs from a single source, enhancing network reliability and ease of maintenance. It also improves safety and aesthetics by reducing bulky power supplies,
resulting in a cleaner and more organized installation.
In-room AP Placement
Optical port access points (APs) were installed directly within dorms and offices, ensuring strong and consistent wireless coverage throughout the campus. Efficient AP placement supports high-density environments, such as student
dormitories and large lecture halls, ensuring reliable connectivity for all users.
HUST's Optical Network Expands, Enhancing Connectivity to 8,000+ Rooms
In 2022, HUST successfully transitioned 19 student dormitories and over 10 office buildings, encompassing more than 8,000 rooms, to an optical network. The campus's optical network infrastructure construction continues to progress
steadily. HUST's adoption of the All-Optical Ethernet network has delivered significant benefits, particularly in enhancing student network access:
Enhanced User Experience:
The network now delivers high-speed internet access, enabling seamless online learning, research collaboration, and administrative tasks. Wireless speeds exceed 300Mbps, greatly enhancing the overall connectivity experience
for all campus users.
Improved Reliability:
The fiber optic infrastructure offers exceptional reliability, minimizing network disruptions and downtime. This ensures robust, high-performance network coverage across the entire campus, improving academic and operational
productivity with fast and stable student network access.
Reduced Maintenance Costs:
The streamlined infrastructure of an optical network, with fewer intermediate devices and connections, simplifies network management. This simplification reduces the complexity and cost of maintenance, as fewer components
need regular monitoring and servicing.
Future-Proof Technology:
Investing in an All-Optical Ethernet network is a strategic decision that provides long-term benefits. The robust infrastructure reduces the need for frequent upgrades and overhauls, saving costs in the long run and
ensuring the network remains cutting-edge for years to come.
Innovation Driven by Real-World Scenarios
Ruijie tackles real-world challenges, innovating customer-focused solutions for specific needs. While not always cutting-edge, our thoughtful approach delivers practical and impactful results.
The Challenge
The bulky power supplies and intricate installation processes were not ideal for the campus environment, which demanded both functional efficiency and visual appeal.
Our Innovation
Ruijie responded by adopting waterproof connectors to streamline the power supply method. This minimized construction complexity, reduced power supply bulkiness, and ensured a cleaner, more organized, and aesthetically
pleasing network infrastructure.
The Challenge
Multi-port AP Needs - While in-room access points (APs) provided excellent wireless coverage, certain rooms required additional wired connections, presenting a significant challenge. HUST identified the necessity for multi-port
APs with eight or more ports to minimize equipment clutter and simplify network deployment in such high-demand scenarios.
Our Innovation
Ruijie developed multi-port APs with multiple Ethernet ports, reducing the need for extra network devices and simplifying deployment.
This consolidated solution minimized equipment requirements, ensured robust
wired connectivity, and enhanced wireless performance, providing efficient network management and improved user experience in high-demand environments.
Curious to witness a transformation in action?
Watch this video to see how Ruijie's Simplified Optical Ethernet (SOE) solution revolutionized the network at HUST.
Building Block by Block: Ruijie's All-Optical Campus Network Standards
This case demonstrates how Ruijie developed standards for building an all-optical campus network in various scenarios, covering everything from construction concepts to detailed specifications. This step-by-step approach paves
an innovative path, providing strong support for creating a first-class, next-generation "all-optical smart campus" in the country, with the potential to extend globally.
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