Comcast Business has officially announced the successful deployment of its groundbreaking Private Wireless Network solution at the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville, VA., something the company did in close collaboration with Druid Software Ltd., and Airspan Networks Inc.
According to certain reports, the stated deployment integrates directly with cellular carriers to deliver enhanced wireless connectivity for students, faculty, and visitors. More on that would reveal how this development banks upon Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) Spectrum to provide high-performance cellular voice and data service in noisy areas.
“We’re thrilled to partner with UVA on this new network deployment, which demonstrates the power of Comcast Business’s Private Wireless solutions to enhance connectivity across entire campuses,” said Justin Markle, Senior Vice President of Wireless Partnerships and Development at Comcast. “This solution represents a transformative leap forward for the University, offering both reliability and cost-efficiency, while helping it meet its growing connectivity needs.”
Talk about Comcast’s Private Wireless Network solution, it effectively operates as a Neutral Host network to support multiple wireless carriers and service providers. The idea here is to conceive seamless connectivity for all mobile users on UVA grounds, regardless of their carrier.
Thanks to its Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) capabilities, the given technology also treads up a long distance to ensure that users experience reliable access for voice, data, and video applications across a broad range of devices. On top of it, it leverages cloud infrastructure and advanced wireless equipment to easily scale, and therefore, meet UVA’s growing bandwidth needs.
All in all, Comcast expects to deliver this solution at a low cost, making up an affordable alternative to traditional Distributed Antenna System (DAS) networks.
“We’re committed to providing a connected technology ecosystem that helps our students, faculty, and staff stay focused on learning, discovery and collaboration,” said Kelly Doney, Vice President and Chief Information Officer at University of Virginia. “Comcast’s Private Wireless Network solution delivers exactly that – seamless, reliable connectivity and wireless services, regardless of the device or carrier being used. This partnership is an innovative, cost-effective approach that strengthens our infrastructure and better serves the needs of our University community.”
Taking a more benefit-specific view of Comcast Business Private Wireless Network at University of Virginia, we begin from its promise to provide enhanced connectivity. This translates to how the deployment will conceive robust voice and data capabilities across high-traffic areas and challenging indoor spaces, thus improving mobile connectivity from participating carriers for all University community members, including students, faculty, and visitors to UVA Grounds.
Next up, there is the availability of enterprise-grade security. In essence, Comcast’s technology arrives on the scene bearing a facility to maintain SIM-based security and credentials, combined with VPN and traffic encryption, providing security for each and every device that comes in contact with the network.
Another detail worth a mention is rooted in the potential for scalability and customization. You see, the whole arrangement in question is markedly designed to meet today’s use cases and potential future needs. As a result, it is highly adaptable and can be expanded or modified to match the University’s evolving requirements.
Rounding up highlights would be Comcast’s focus on achieving rapid deployment with minimal disruption, something which the company achieves by calling upon cloud-based software management and strategic radio placement.
“This deployment underscores our commitment to redefining what’s possible in secure wireless connectivity solutions,” said Scott Cohen, Executive Director of Strategic Wireless Solutions at Comcast Business. “By bringing together cutting-edge private wireless technology with cellular carrier integration, we are delivering an advanced solution that enables organizations like UVA to deliver the connectivity and user experience their students, faculty, and visitors demand.”
