Networking and security integrator Khipu Networks has revamped the networking systems of two Oxford University colleges.

Deploying a Bradford Campus Manager (BCM) at Pembroke College and New College, which between them comprise more than 1,000 students, staff can now control access to the colleges’ fixed and wireless networks.

Matt Ashman, commercial consultant at Khipu, said: “Students expect to be connected and online the moment they arrive at college – every year this causes massive problems for institutions throughout the country, as they simply do not have the IT resources to cope with the demand.

“Network access control is by far the most effective means of automating the registration process without compromising security, while also providing universities with a management platform capable of ensuring that safe computing policies are upheld from day one onwards.”

BCM grants authorisation based on whether or not each device added to the network complies with the college’s IT security policy. Should a device fail, BCM provides details of the reasons why and offers links to point the student in the right direction for the required software or system patches.

This also give IT managers a better insight into highlighting who is misusing the facilities or engaging in inappropriate online behaviour, so the user can be blocked.

At Pembroke College, BCM now grants different levels of access depending on each student’s needs, to provide access to only the specific tools and services needed at that moment.

Simon Thomson, at Pembroke College, said: “The ability to segregate users provides an additional layer of protection – if you do not have an immediate need to access network data, then you will not be given access to it, further reducing the risk of data breaches.”

At New College using BCM has also helped to enforce the initialisation of security patches and software updates, to reduce the overall number of support calls made to the IT team.

James Dore, at New College, said: “Thanks to Khipu we now have a more reliable network, from both a student and an IT perspective.

“Ultimately this means that once students are logged in – and as long as they comply with our IT security policy – they are left to their own devices.”