Empowering Creativity Through Connectivity: Laketec’s Network Transformation at Columbus College of Art and Design

Laketec partnered with CCAD to modernize its campus-wide network infrastructure with HPE Aruba GreenLake, enhancing wireless coverage, performance and reliability for students and faculty.

Transforming Campus Connectivity for Creative Minds

Laketec collaborated with Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) to address critical network challenges across its urban campus. The project focused on upgrading wireless access points and deploying Aruba sensors to improve visibility and performance. Special attention was given to Wi-Fi issues and AP mounting specifications to ensure optimal coverage. The Laketec team conducted thorough assessments and implemented tailored solutions that aligned with CCAD’s creative and collaborative environment. This transformation not only improved connectivity but also supported the college’s mission to foster innovation and digital fluency among its students.

A Custom Network Designed for Creative Learning

Challenge

CCAD faced significant wireless performance issues across its downtown Columbus campus. As a leading art and design institution, the college needed a reliable, high-capacity network to support resource-intensive digital tools, creative collaboration, and a growing reliance on technology in coursework and administration. Addressing these pain points required a tailored solution that could overcome infrastructure constraints and deliver seamless coverage.

Solution

Laketec conducted wireless site surveys and architected a custom network leveraging HPE Aruba GreenLake. By strategically upgrading access points, implementing Aruba sensors for real-time monitoring, and optimizing AP placement for maximum efficiency, the team delivered a robust, scalable solution. While ensuring reliable connectivity and improved student experience, CCAD is able to embrace new learning models and digital innovation.  Leveraging the power of Greenlake by HPE Aruba gave CCAD a future-proof solution for many years to come.

Impact: Building a Reliable Network for the Future of Art and Design

With a modernized wireless infrastructure, CCAD now offers students and faculty seamless connectivity, improved performance, and a foundation to support future technology investments.

Case Study Highlights

 

Stronger Wireless Coverage Across Campus

The upgraded network eliminates dead zones and delivers high-speed, reliable Wi-Fi in classrooms, studios, and common spaces to enhance the creative learning experience.

Enhanced Visibility and Network Control

Aruba sensors and Aruba Central provide CCAD’s Network Engineering Team with a single pane of glass, enabling proactive issue resolution and in-depth, immediate network oversight.

Future-Ready Digital Environment

By implementing a scalable, cloud-managed solution, CCAD can easily adapt to evolving technologies and continue fostering innovation in art and design education.

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Tim Clark

Solutions Executive, K-12 Education

Fun fact: Tim keeps things simple outside of work. Most of his time is spent with his wife and daughter, with golf and cornhole mixed in when he can. He’d take a coffee or lunch meeting over a boardroom any day.

Helping K-12 Schools Build Secure, Reliable, and Scalable Technology Environments

Tim Clark works with K-12 school districts to plan and improve their technology environments. His focus is simple. Understand the school’s needs, align to budget and E-Rate, and help them move forward with the right infrastructure and support.
He supports public, private, and charter schools across Ohio and is known for being responsive, easy to work with, and consistent.
Focus Areas: Network infrastructure, wireless, security, co-managed IT (Laketec360), unified communications, and E-Rate planning.

 

Experience & Expertise

Tim works exclusively in K-12 environments and understands the day-to-day challenges schools face.

He typically supports districts managing multiple buildings, limited IT staff, and tight budgets, while still being expected to deliver reliable, secure technology across every classroom.

Most conversations center on improving infrastructure, strengthening security, and planning for what’s next, whether that is Wi-Fi upgrades, access control, or voice strategy

Tim’s career has been built inside Laketec, starting in a role focused on supporting K-12 customers and the E-Rate process. That foundation still shapes how he works today.

He brings a practical understanding of how to connect funding, infrastructure decisions, and long-term planning into something schools can execute.

 

Credentials & Indusry Involvement

 Certifications

HPE Networking; Palo Alto; HPE Server, Storage, and Compute

Alignment
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

Experience Areas
K-12 infrastructure, network security, co-managed IT, E-Rate planning

Involvement
NetworkBuzz Podcast (E-Rate); Brainstorm events

Recognition
Part of a team consistently ranked among top E-Rate partners in Ohio

 

Connect with Tim

Tim helps K-12 schools make practical decisions around infrastructure, security, and long-term planning.

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