Guide for Establishing a Bring Your Own Device Network in Universities
In the rapidly evolving world of education, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of learning. According to Gartner's 2025 strategic technology trends, several key technologies are set to transform the education sector [1][3].
Among these, Agentic AI, AI governance platforms, cybersecurity advancements, hybrid computing, AR/VR integration, quantum computing, and edge computing are expected to revolutionize the way educational institutions innovate and operate. These technologies are poised to automate and personalize learning, ensure ethical and compliant AI systems, enhance immersive learning experiences, and fortify cybersecurity in increasingly digital learning environments [1][3].
One such technology that stands out is WLAN solutions. These solutions offer smart enterprise network features designed to improve the availability, reliability, coverage, manageability, and security of wired and wireless campus LANs [1]. A high-performance, high-availability wireless architecture can deliver virtualized and cloud-based services, including video-on-demand, e-learning apps, and student portals [1].
The importance of a high-speed and high-performing WLAN solution is underscored by Andy Butcher, higher education evangelist at Extreme Networks [1]. This type of online learning is scalable, enabling newer courses such as massive online open learning (MOOCs) and small private online courses (SPOCs) to take place [1].
WLAN technology is an ideal solution for higher education organizations to expand anytime, anywhere connectivity across the campus. Wireless installation helps avoid disruption of solid walls and hours of hard labor running LAN cables [1]. The WLAN solution must handle hundreds of simultaneous association requests from various client devices without creating unacceptable delays [1].
Moreover, understanding student usage through a smart network application analytics tool can help higher education institutions better inform ways to keep students connected while on the move [1]. Different groups will require different access, so the WLAN solution must offer control of upstream and downstream traffic per user [1].
The rise of mobile technology in colleges and universities is increasing student capacity, both in the classroom and online. Students are demanding improved access to learning material through mobile devices [1]. To accommodate this influx, institutions must review their current IT infrastructure to determine how they can best support BYOD (Bring-your-own-Device) and accommodate the influx of mobile devices [1].
The individual attention made possible with flipped and blended learning styles is helping the education sector move toward more personalized education [1]. In this new method, instruction is delivered outside of the campus as homework, and the practical delivery of the course is saved for the lesson [1].
As mobile data traffic continues to grow, with Gartner predicting a 59% increase in 2015 [1], it's clear that the education sector must adapt to these technological advancements to provide the best learning experience for students. Advances in learning styles like adaptive and competency-based learning offer different content to students based on an interactive assessment of where they are in their understanding of the content [1].
In conclusion, the strategic technology trends identified by Gartner are shaping the future of education technology innovation and strategy. By adopting these technologies, educational institutions can boost productivity, enhance the digital experience, and secure their ecosystem, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the demands of the digital age.
[1] Gartner (2025) [3] Gartner (2015)
Technology like WLAN solutions, underlined as crucial for higher education institutions, is expected to improve learning by expanding anytime, anywhere connectivity across campuses [1]. This allows for the delivery of virtualized and cloud-based services such as e-learning apps and student portals [1]. Additionally, technology in education-and-self-development, such as adaptive and competency-based learning, offers personalized content to students based on their understanding of the content, aiding in more effective learning [1].
