Case Study: Brandeis University achieves $2M projected savings and pervasive Wi‑Fi through network rightsizing with HPE Aruba Networking

Brandeis University Expects to Save $2 Million With Network Rightsizing

Brandeis University, a private research university with more than 7,000 students and staff, faced major architectural and budgetary challenges building a new science center and dormitory: thicker Cat6 cable increased pipe-fill and riser needs, long cable runs exceeded 100 m due to fewer network closets, and the “one port per pillow” dorm model drove high maintenance costs. Aging edge switches nearing end-of-life and growing student demand for mobile access made a full $4M+ campus cabling and switch refresh impractical, prompting a rethink of wired vs. wireless tradeoffs.

Brandeis rightsized the network edge by reducing wired ports and deploying Aruba 802.11n access points, controllers, RAPs and policy enforcement, shifting most users to pervasive Wi‑Fi. This cut cabling costs by about 30% in the new dorm and science building, saved hundreds of thousands in first-year construction/operational costs, achieved 95% wireless adoption in the new dorm, and is projected to save more than $2 million on the upcoming campus‑wide network refresh while lowering power and operating expenses.

Brandeis University

John W. Turner

Director of Networks and Systems