Kasuya Town Revitalizes Community with NETGEAR Enterprise WiFi Solutions

Project Overview: Kasuya Town's "Okaeri Shugakko Project"

Kasuya Town, Fukuoka Prefecture, a former coal mining town, is actively pursuing "community connection regeneration." Facing population decline and an aging society, the town is transforming closed school facilities into vibrant "new community hubs" rather than letting them fall into disuse.

The "Okaeri Shugakko Project" is a key initiative, utilizing former elementary and junior high schools within Kasuya Town. By collaborating with local residents and private sector partners, the project aims to create enjoyable gathering spaces for the entire community.

This case study features insights from Yuki Murakami (Kasuya Town, Community Development Division), Manami Aoyama (Kasuya Town, Community Development Division, Gokane Community Council), and Akihisa Yamamoto (Principal, Nakatsuhara Elementary School, Fukuoka Branch, Okaeri Shugakko Project). They discuss the reasons for adopting NETGEAR products and the positive outcomes achieved.

Transforming Schools into Community Hubs

Kasuya Town is driving its "fun town making" efforts through its school repurposing projects, working alongside local residents and private companies.

Following the opening of the new educational facility "Kasuya Shiseikan" in Reiwa 3 (2021), four elementary schools and two junior high schools were closed. The former Nakatsuhara Elementary School site is now managed by Ringlow as part of the "Okaeri Shugakko Project." This facility serves as a welcoming space where local residents and children can gather and engage.

The adjacent Gokane district is also initiating similar community development efforts. While the original school in Gokane was demolished, the nearby "Gokane Nursery School" is slated to become a community center next year, further expanding opportunities for community interaction.

Establishing a Robust WiFi Environment: The "Digital Exchange Hub"

The Gokane Nursery School, currently functioning as a community hub, faced challenges in establishing a network environment. The lack of WiFi meant creating a "fun digital space" accessible to all community members, from children to seniors, was a priority.

At Nakatsuhara Elementary School, the network infrastructure was essentially built from scratch. Although LAN ports were present, WiFi equipment had not been installed, necessitating the setup of individual access points. A stable network was particularly crucial for the "staff room," which also serves as the project's office.

Security and Management: The NETGEAR Advantage

When selecting network equipment, security was a primary concern. The team opted for NETGEAR products due to their robust security features, avoiding potential risks associated with less secure alternatives.

Centralized management was another key factor. NETGEAR's cloud management capabilities, via the Insight app, allow for unified control of SSIDs and passwords. This simplifies network configuration, especially for a facility that hosts various external organizations and requires easy management of network access.

Impact and Benefits

The implementation of NETGEAR solutions has led to smoother online meetings, benefiting from the latest WiFi 7 standards for uninterrupted connectivity.

The centralized cloud management has significantly reduced the operational burden, streamlining the process of managing WiFi networks across different areas and user groups.

Future Vision: Expanding Digital Access

The project aims to expand WiFi coverage to outdoor event spaces and the gymnasium, ensuring community members can access reliable internet connectivity anywhere within the facilities.

Looking ahead, the goal is to enhance network infrastructure to support further business expansion and increase the number of accessible locations. The team anticipates that NETGEAR will continue to provide solutions that further reduce operational management loads.

Featured NETGEAR Products

• ProAV M4350 Series (GSM4328-100AJS): A versatile network switch.
• Insight App & Cloud-compatible WiFi 7 Access Point (WBE710-100APS): Provides high-speed, reliable wireless connectivity managed through the cloud.