James Cook University Singapore powers learning with an AI-driven network

With students expressing a preference for a flexible learning environment that blends face-to-face and digital instruction, IT leaders wanted to modernize the university’s campus network.

“We wanted the best network solution to support our students’ learning and research,” says Abdul Samathu, Assistant Manager of Information and Communications Technology at JCU Singapore. “We determined that a cloud-managed, AI-driven network would deliver the best digital experience on campus.”

JCU Singapore invested in both campus technology and facility improvements, including a new student center and building renovations, to adapt to students’ post-pandemic learning styles and its growing enrollment, and to improve sustainability and offer more amenities to students, faculty, and staff.

The Juniper Mist network delivers a strong digital experience on the JCU Singapore campus as more students seek the academic rigor, a supportive learning environment, and the opportunity to earn a degree from the prestigious James Cook University, which is one of the top 400 universities in the world.

Increased network visibility and AI-driven operations reduce the network support workload. “We can see the quality of the user experience and proactively address issues like Wi-Fi coverage or client disconnections while roaming,” says Abdul. “With Mist AI and automation, we spend less time managing the network.”

Abdul sees a bright future for AI-driven networking. “In light of the swift advancements in AI, universities should strategize on optimizing school network management to minimize costs and reduce manpower requirements,” he adds.

As time progresses, the requirements of a university can evolve, and Juniper networks provide adaptable solutions for accommodating growth, Abdul notes. For example, the university is developing a wayfinding application to help visitors and new students navigate the campus, and the mobile app will tap into Juniper Mist Indoor Location Services and Juniper-patented virtual Bluetooth® LE (vBLE) technology in Juniper access points to deliver optimal location accuracy across the campus.