Sheffield Hallam University is using an IP network to improve learning conditions for its 28,000 students.

The network supports the university's expanding use of e-learning systems, including a virtual learning environment that needs large bandwidth to support growing file sizes for rich content.

The system will link together Sheffield Hallam's three main campuses and will also hook into the university's three CCTV systems to help control building security. It will also provide the backbone for wireless hotspots throughout the campus area.

The university's chief information officer, John Hemingway, says the new communications infrastructure is having a very real and tangible impact on students learning and experience.

'This is particularly pertinent as higher education institutions such as Sheffield Hallam move into a more market-like environment with students judging us on the quality of the services they get,' he said.

'The internet is and will become increasingly important as the medium through which students interact with the University. The Cisco supplied network, therefore, becomes a very important factor.'

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