Sowing the Seeds of Change, A Blueprint for Progress
The journey began in 2022 when UPM Campus Bintulu outlined its aspirations for a modern, high-performance network. Working in alignment with UPM Serdang’s Smart Campus blueprint, the vision was clear, which is a scalable, future-proof solution capable of addressing the evolving demands of hybrid learning and digitalisation.
Ruijie was chosen as the trusted partner for this transformation, not just for its technical expertise but for its deep understanding of higher education needs.
Challenges on the Path to Progress
UPM Campus Bintulu’s journey to modernisation wasn’t without obstacles. With its existing infrastructure deployed over eight years ago, the campus faced mounting challenges that hindered its ability to meet growing digital demands.
Rising User Expectations
Students, faculty, and guests expected fast, stable, and secure connectivity to support their academic and recreational needs. This was especially crucial as the university frequently hosted major national events.
Outdated Network Performance
The campus relied on a WiFi-5 network, designed for a time when digital usage was lower. With the rise of hybrid learning and high-definition streaming, the network struggled to keep up, leading to frequent complaints from students and staff.
Inefficient Legacy Infrastructure
The existing traditional network was prone to high maintenance costs and operational inefficiencies. Cooling requirements, power consumption, and frequent repairs strained resources, making the system unsustainable.
Security Vulnerabilities
The open network lacked robust authentication, leaving it susceptible to unauthorised access and compromising user safety.
With its network infrastructure lagging behind its ambitions, the university needed a transformative solution that would address these pain points while laying the foundation for a smart, sustainable future.
A Sustainable Approach to Connectivity
UPM Campus Bintulu’s transformation wasn’t just about enhancing speed and performance, it was a leap toward sustainability. By adopting Ruijie’s Simplified Optical Ethernet (SOE) Solution, which enables FTTR end-to-end full bandwidth access, the campus has taken a significant step toward a greener, more efficient future.
This approach aligned perfectly with the university’s digitalisation initiatives, demonstrating that technological advancement can coexist with eco-conscious values.
A Seamless Digital Experience
The new infrastructure transformed connectivity in all 800 dormitory rooms, delivering a staggering 2.5Gbps speed, 25 times faster than the previous 100Mbps limit.
The deployment of Fibre to The Room (FTTR) technology ensured guaranteed end-to-end bandwidth, a key requirement for high-definition streaming, online learning, and digital collaboration. Each room is now equipped with an optimised WiFi-6 access point tuned using Ruijie’s Wireless Intelligent System (WIS), providing seamless zero-roaming for students and staff across the campus. Even previously underserved areas experienced a dramatic boost in performance, eliminating network complaints and creating a consistent digital experience for all.
Reliable and Secure Networks
A major highlight of the project was the implementation of user authentication, ensuring a secure network environment for students, staff, and guests. The previous open network was replaced with a firewall-backed solution tailored to the unique requirements of higher education institutions. This simplified network management, enabling the IT team to focus on innovation rather than troubleshooting. The result? A stable, scalable infrastructure that requires minimal intervention and supports the campus’s digital aspirations.
A Model for Smart Campus Innovation
The UPM Campus Bintulu is a testament to what’s possible when vision meets execution. Through collaboration with Ruijie, the university has successfully achieved the following.
Set a National Benchmark: As Malaysia’s first FTTR and CWDM-enabled campus,UPM Campus Bintulu is leading the way for others to follow.
Enhanced User Experience: Students and staff enjoy unparalleled connectivity, transforming how they learn, teach, and collaborate.
Aligned with Sustainability Goals: The passive network design underscores the university’s commitment to green practices.
Prepared for the Future: With a scalable and future-proof network, UPM Campus Bintulu is well-equipped to meet the growing demands of the future.
UPM Campus Bintulu’s smart campus transformation is a shining example of how higher education institutions can embrace innovation while remaining true to their core values. Together, UPM Campus Bintulu and Ruijie have set a new standard for what a connected, sustainable, and student-centric campus can achieve.
