CNS installs ‘future-proof’ network for top independent school
By admin
South Wales-based Capital Network Solutions (CNS) has completed installation of a state of the art ICT network for Taunton School in Somerset – the biggest ever investment in IT by the school.
The installation took place over the school’s summer holiday to minimise disruption and was completed on schedule and to budget. It has already made a major difference to the 1,300 pupils and staff by making different applications so much quicker to use than the previous system.
“There was limited confidence in the stability and performance of the old network,” explained Sarah Edwards, CNS’s business development director.
“Accessing resources was painfully slow which discouraged pupils and staff from using applications on it. It was also slow for the IT staff to roll out new applications and these didn’t always work to their full potential because of network issues. The new network eliminates all of these and ‘future-proofs’ the school against developments in software and any new applications they may wish to use further down the line.
“Users already have much more confidence in security, performance and reliability of the network which in turn encourages them to use the school’s excellent resources which enhance the whole learning experience.
“The school was also very keen to ensure that there was increased pupil ‘security’ which we’ve achieved through a content filtering system that prevents them from accessing inappropriate websites.
“The wireless system is also far more stable which has also lead to increased use, especially among boarders who have it in their houses and can now access resources, and communicate with friends and family far more easily.
“We were delighted to have won the contract against tough competition. We’ve worked extensively in the education sector and have a reputation for delivering projects on time and to the highest standard, which I’m sure, helped. We’ve also won several top awards which also make a difference. In particular, we recently became a Cisco Premier Certified partner which recognises and rewards us for employing some of the industry’s best-trained network technicians. The partnership helps us to provide customers with outstanding ICT solutions at prices many would have thought impossible.”
The network itself was designed to meet British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta) standards compliance recommendations and followed Becta’s technical specifications for institutional Infrastructure.
Ken Alexander, Taunton School’s IT manager, said the school was delighted with the work CNS had done in advising them and their design and installation of the new network which represents its largest single investment in technology.
“The main benefit will be to the school community, who increasingly use the vast array of multimedia resources available at Taunton School and other resources from the internet.
“The network features fibre-optic and copper cabling as well as wireless communication systems, all controlled by 36 specially designed switches. These allow us to manage all the network users remotely and provide important additional security while using virtual tools to keep different data separate.
“It will also enable us to modernise our telephony systems to use the latest voice-over-IP equipment – the sort used by leading commercial enterprises – which will improve communications with parents and the community at large.”
Pupils and staff will also be given an insight into the full potential of their new network when CNS takes a mobile ICT exhibition to the school this autumn. The Network on Wheels – or NOW Van – is a 27-foot vehicle packed with the very latest ICT equipment developed by Cisco. It can accommodate up to 10 people at a time with a trained team demonstrating the kit before letting pupils and staff test it for themselves.
Sarah Edwards said: “The NOW Van is the easiest and most convenient way to demonstrate how we’ll all be using information and communication technology in the future – but the good news is these innovations are actually available right now.
“Children and young people often get to grips with technology much quicker than adults but our demonstration team has been very well trained and the NOW Van really is suitable for all visitors, regardless of their age or level of technical understanding. It will give pupils a valuable and exciting insight into the future and may prompt some of them to follow a career in this line themselves.”
Tags: Capital Network Solutions, Cisco, CNS, future-proof network, ICT network, IT, Taunton School
