Case Study: Sistema University Ana G. Mendez achieves campus‑wide reliable, high‑performance 802.11n Wi‑Fi with RUCKUS Networks

Multi-Campus University System Makes Big Move to Smarter 802.11n Wi-Fi to Cope with Wireless Explosion

Sistema Universitario Ana G. Méndez (SUAGM) is one of Puerto Rico’s largest university systems, serving more than 42,000 students across three main campuses and 15 off‑campus centers. Its legacy 802.11a/b/g Wi‑Fi—managed by a small IT team—was overwhelmed by rising numbers of multimedia devices, inconsistent coverage (especially outdoors), dropped connections and budget constraints, creating a need for a higher‑capacity, centrally managed wireless solution.

SUAGM deployed Ruckus ZoneFlex dual‑band 802.11n APs (7962 indoor, 7762 outdoor) and ZoneDirector 3100 controllers, enabling full indoor/outdoor coverage with 40% fewer APs. Tests showed up to a 5:1 performance advantage and faster downloads versus competitors; the new system delivered better range, airtime fairness, bandsteering, dynamic beamforming, centralized management and support for IP video/voice—at roughly half the cost of alternative solutions—reducing IT strain and enabling new multimedia services.

Sistema University Ana G. Mendez

Oscar Hernandez

Chief Information Officer