East Side Union High School District Wi-Fi Expansion Case Study

This case study outlines the efforts of the East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD) in addressing the digital divide by extending Wi-Fi access to underserved neighborhoods in San José, California. The district faced significant challenges, including the need to provide reliable internet access for students who lacked broadband at home, which was crucial for their educational success. In collaboration with the city and SmartWave Technologies, ESUHSD initiated a project funded by a $2.7 million school bond to expand the school Wi-Fi network. The deployment involved over 1,800 RUCKUS outdoor access points, utilizing advanced technologies such as BeamFlex+ and ChannelFly to enhance performance and reduce interference. The project not only improved access for students but also benefited the broader community, serving 360,000 households. The successful partnership exemplifies how collaboration can promote digital equity and improve educational outcomes for students in need.