Deploy fast, safe and effective wireless networks in your school

A school wireless network allows teachers and children to work out side the reach of the of the classroom with laptops, netbooks, iPads or other mobile devices while still being able to access documents, shared resources and the internet.

An effective school wireless network not only extends the reach of a traditional wired computer network, it encourages the use of new technology in lessons to enable new types of leaning for children. It gives the ability to share work with other children or schools using collaboration software and webcams from anywhere within the school.

Wireless network technology has changed over the years. We are finding more and more that expensive enterprise technology is being repackaged into smaller affordable solutions. This means that you get the same features and benefits as the big companies but at a fraction of the cost.

For example, a traditional school wireless network installation would consist of a number of wireless access points spotted around the school in areas that you needed the most coverage. Each of these access points would then need to be set-up one by one, making sure that the configurations did not conflict with each other. You had to record all of the serial numbers and IP addresses so you could manage them in the future and you would have to take backups of the configuration files in case you had to replace a unit if one went wrong. For a school that needs 15 to 20 wireless access points the installation process could take a number of days to complete, with an associated high level of maintenance which will incur further time and money.

With our wireless network for schools package, we have taken the hard work and sometimes guess-work out of installing, configuring and maintaining wireless networks. Our solution allows for rapid deployment of access points without configuring each device one by one. Each access point is aware of all of the other access points around it so it configures itself to use best signal and channel, meaning that there is no interference or loss of signal. You can allow guest access to the wireless network allowing you to offer monitored internet access to parents and visitors. As technology advances and faster access points become available, you can simply replace older units or add to your installed solution without any further upgrades.

Our process to fast and effective wireless networks for schools

Our initial meeting would be to perform a site survey and to identify the best locations for access points to be installed. We take into account the number of staff and children who will need to access the network as well as the building materials, lighting and other obstacles that may interfere with the wireless signal.

From our initial observations we would then recommend the number of access points to fulfil the level of service you require and any additional power or network cabling.

Our trained engineers would then install the access points thought out the school in minimal time and disruption to the school day.

We will also advise your teachers and ICT coordinator of any new passwords that might be needed to access the wireless network and give any further training if required.

Our wireless network for schools package is fully managed, so our engineers will make sure that your access points are always running the latest software and performing to it best abilities. If there is a failure of an access point, our engineers will be notified and a replacement will be arranged very often before you have noticed there has been a problem.

If you have a wireless network requirement for your school or you wish to talk to us about the problems or difficulties with your current solution please do not hesitate to contact me on 0116 277 4020 or email WirelessNetworksForSchools@Primary-School-ICT.co.uk.

Jon-Paul Mulholland
Senior Technology Consultant
Primary-School-ICT provided by MDC Ltd

November 1st 2011