Created: 24/04/2024

For product information and how to make a sales enquiry concerning 'Extending eduroam' the Jisc web page on the new service is the place to go: https://www.jisc.ac.uk/extending-eduroam

Introduction to Extending eduroam

Extending eduroam is a Jisc managed service delivering a drop-in 4/5G connected Wi-Fi AP/router pre-configured to provide an eduroam Visited service at locations where your own service currently does reach - the service can be used to fill any gaps in provision of eduroam to your userbase. Rapid deployment of mini Visited services wherever and whenever you need one is now a reality.

The units automatically connect via 4/5G to the Extending eduroam RADIUS service for all authentication request routing. User data traffic is also tunnelled through the mobile network operator link, so there is zero intervention required by your tech team other than to choose where to position the units. The units are fitted with multi-MNO SIMs and work with all providers, so providing that the positioning of the unit allows for a strong 4/5G signal, the service is truly plug and play.

To explore where the service might be of benefit to your organisation it is recommended that you contact your Jisc Relationship Manager to discuss. Your Relationship Manager will be able to go through the commercial details and arrange any order if you wished to deploy any units

The Jisc web page https://www.jisc.ac.uk/extending-eduroam is quite helpful in indicating potential usage scenarios, but it is worth emphasising that Extending eduroam units can be used for both permanent or temporary deployments and are ideal for ‘pop-up’ needs.

Possible use cases include:

• Sports grounds
• Equine centre
• Coffee shop
• Student houses
• Arts exhibition space
• Classrooms
• Research facility
• Conference centre

Nb. It should be noted that:

• The mobile data network signal where the units will be deployed needs to be ‘good’ to provide a reasonable bandwidth for users (the units; SIMs are multi-MNO and work with all providers)
• The units cannot be expected to support a high number of users with intensive needs
• You need to be mindful that the Wi-Fi/eduroam service provide is Jisc and the units should not be positioned such as to create a significant overlapping service zone with your own or other organisation’s eduroam services
• Whilst they are a perfect solution for areas where an Ethernet connection cannot be provided and for rapid deployments where an immediate solution is required, the ideal network backhaul is of course an Ethernet wired/fibre connection