Empowering Digital Equity with Smarter Network Upgrade

Zyxel_May · July 2

Ruth Society for Disability Services

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"Thanks to the support from Zyxel Networks, we have completed a full campus network rewiring and equipment upgrade. This has dramatically improved our overall connection speed and stability, enhancing the quality of our daily teaching and administrative work. It also allows for smoother use of smart assistive devices and digital services, creating equal opportunities for disadvantaged groups to connect with the digital"

Chia-Huai Chiu, Executive Director
Ruth Society for Disability Services

Overview

The Ruth Society for Disability Services strives to create opportunities for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, supporting their personal growth, independence, and meaningful participation in society.

To overcome long-standing challenges, such as unstable internet speeds and outdated cabling, the organization partnered with Zyxel Networks to rebuild its network from the ground up. At the heart of this upgrade were key devices, including the USG FLEX 50H firewall, XGS1935-28 and GS1915-8EP switches, and NWA50AX WiFi access points. Working together, these technologies not only strengthened security and stability across the campus but also laid the groundwork for future high-speed demands.

What followed was a complete transformation. With a smarter, more efficient digital environment now in place, the society is better equipped to support meaningful learning and life-enrichment opportunities for the people it serves.

Challenges

For years, the Ruth Society for Disability Services faced persistent network challenges that disrupted daily operations and hindered the adoption of modern technological tools. Cabling problems and frequent network speed issues often caused interruptions, making stable communication difficult.

“We have long struggled with unstable internet speeds and chaotic, aging network cabling," explained Chia-Huai Chiu, Executive Director of the Ruth Society for Disability Services. These issues also impeded the smooth integration of smart technology and assistive devices, preventing the effective monitoring and analysis that those tools depend on.

Solutions

The upgrade began on the first floor, where the team from Zyxel Networks deployed the USG FLEX 50H firewall to establish a secure foundation for the entire network. With stronger protection in place, the facility gained a safer and more stable environment for managing sensitive operational information, while defending against external threats.

From there, three XGS1935-28 smart managed switches were introduced as the primary network aggregation point. The switches handled the heavy flow of traffic and served as the backbone lines extending through the second, third, and fourth floors, delivering the high-speed performance needed to support current operations and future digital growth.

To extend connectivity and power across the building, four GS1915-8EP PoE switches were installed. By redirecting the access points to these locations, the Zyxel Networks' team streamlined the management of the wireless system and eliminated the need for separate power supplies.

Twelve NWA50AX access points were brought online throughout the four-story facility, providing fast, seamless, and significantly improved wireless coverage in every corner of the building.

Results

Zyxel Networks' solution has achieved a comprehensive hardware overhaul and a complete rewiring of the facility, transforming the organization's digital capabilities. Besides, longstanding performance issues are resolved, allowing smart assistive devices to operate with seamless monitoring and analysis. The strengthened infrastructure not only enhances security but also prepares the campus for future bandwidth needs. Most importantly, the upgrade expands digital access for underprivileged groups, fostering greater digital inclusion and enabling a smarter, more efficient environment for learning and support.

Eliminates long-standing network disconnections and delays
Delivers significantly faster speeds and a smoother user experience
Enables seamless integration and monitoring of smart and assistive technologies
Improves network stability and security while advancing digital equity

Products used

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