UbuntuNet Alliance is spearheading the deployment of eduroam in Zimbabwe through ZIMREN, the country’s National Research and Education Network (NREN). To ensure universities are ready to adopt and manage the service, UbuntuNet Alliance organized a webinar with ZIMREN, bringing together system and network engineers from 20 universities in Zimbabwe. The webinar, attended by 34 participants, provided essential insights into eduroam adoption and integration.
Led by UbuntuNet Alliance’s DevOps Engineer, Revelation Nyirongo, the session began with an introduction to UbuntuNet Alliance and the benefits universities can gain through their affiliation with ZIMREN. Participants received an overview of eduroam, its adoption in Africa and globally, and its advantages, including seamless connectivity for users in universities and public spaces such as airports and shopping malls.
The webinar addressed key concerns regarding security, infrastructure, interoperability, and technical support. Attendees were reassured of eduroam’s secure and cost-effective nature, its compatibility with existing networks, and the extensive support available through UbuntuNet Alliance. The session also highlighted the progress of eduroam deployment in Zimbabwe, which currently stands at 53%, with further implementation depending on university participation.
A deep dive into the technical infrastructure of eduroam detailed its backend operations and institutional roles within the framework. Participants were guided through the process of setting up their RADIUS servers and connecting them to the national federation managed by ZIMREN, ensuring they understood the architecture and their responsibilities in maintaining the service.
By the end of the webinar, attendees had a clear understanding of eduroam’s benefits, technical requirements, and implementation strategies. This session marked a significant step towards full eduroam adoption in Zimbabwe, enhancing seamless and secure connectivity for students and researchers across the country.