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Hamworthy Middle School have recently deployed a Meru Networks 802.11n based wireless network and HP Procurve wired infrastructure to improve the delivery of learning resources to pupils in classrooms and around the school.

Previously the school’s network consisted of a Netgear and Dynamode based wired 100Mbps infrastructure with D-Link wireless access points. When initially deployed the school only had a small requirement for wireless infrastructure, allowing isolated teachers to login in the classroom on their laptops. This requirement quickly grew encompassing mobile classroom working with class groups wanting to make use of laptops to bring ICT into the classroom.

As the number of classroom laptops grew it quickly became evident that the existing wireless network was not up to the job, with long login times and file synchronisation latency causing network corruption and issues for other users logging on.

In May 2009 SchoolCare were approached to design and specify a network overhaul plan including both the wired and wireless networks employed within the school. The wired LAN was replaced with an HP Procurve infrastructure with a multi-gigabit backbone ensuring bottlenecks are kept to a minimum.

As experts in their field SchoolCare knew that the only answer to the wireless network issues was Meru. Having worked with Siracom and Meru for 3 years and with a large number of installations both large and small under their belt, SchoolCare knew that Meru could deliver the robust and reliable wireless infrastructure required to enable successful mobile working in the classroom.

Meru’s single channel architecture means that planning and deployment is very quick and easy, negating the need for complex and often expensive channel planning and surveying often required for other wireless systems from competitors.

SchoolCare presented Hamworthy with 2 Meru options; One based on an 802.11b/g technology and the second employing both 802.11b/g and 802.11n. Whilst the 802.11n infrastructure was more expensive that the 802.11b/g the school felt that given the size of the investment and also the investment on a multi-gigabit wired LAN it made sense to adopt the latest technology because it represented best value overall for the school.

The Network is based around a Meru 1000 series controller, a PhiHong 16 Port POE+ Managed Power Injector and 11 AP311 Access Points, ensuring the whole site is covered with 802.11n Wifi.

The dual radio AP311 access points mean that both 802.11n and 802.11b/g traffic is handled with ease with no detriment to either technology. This allowed the school to make full use of their recently supplied 802.11n laptop fleet as well as obtaining best value from their legacy 802.11g laptop fleet.

Mrs Helen Campbell ICT Manager for Hamworthy Middle School says “The Meru wireless system and new switches mean we can all (Staff and children) log on to the network and internet in less than 60 seconds. I took 34 children into the ICT Suite on day 1 of the new install and asked them all to log on at the same time. The last computer was logged on in 54 seconds. Even the children were amazed at the speed having been very used to waiting agonising minutes to get started.”

Previously logons were well over 5 minutes, with file synchronisation causing huge bottlenecks on the network. Now all laptops logon in under 1 minute and file synchronisation completes with not errors or speed impact on other clients.

Also See Meru Wireless Networks for Education

SchoolCare announce the latest Eco PC to achieve the ICT ECO Mark:

The Asrock NetTop Series PC, a high performance ultra slim PC, has been accredited with the ICT ECO Mark for low energy consumption.  The Asrock NetTop PC features an Intel Atom Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 360GB of hard drive and all wrapped up in an exceptionally small case giving a minimal desk footprint.  Yet, despite such great performance, the Asrock shows only around 30 watts power consumption under full load.

“This is exceptionally lower power consumption for such a powerful workstation and a clear indication of how ICT technology is now enabling schools and college’s to reduce their energy and carbon footprints.  When compared with a tradional tower workstation burning anywhere between 100 to 150 watts, there is a massive potential for schools and colleges to save money and their impact on the environment.” Reports Steve Jones, Managing Director of SchoolCare.

The Asrock NetTop PC is available through SchoolCare from under £349 (excl vat) and further information can be found by calling 0845 8622 660.

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