CNS installs 'future proof' network for top independent school
CNS successfully completes fully resilient network project over Summer Period for Taunton School
South Wales-based Capital Network Solutions (CNS) has completed installation of a fully resilient ICT network for Taunton School in Somerset.
The
new network "future-proofs" delivery of educational services at Taunton
School, so that any developments in information and communication
technology can be easily implemented. For now, this enables the 1,300
users - both pupils and staff - to work anywhere on the school's 45
acre site but it also and paves the way for the introduction of unified
communications systems.
The installation took place over the school's summer holiday to minimise disruption and was completed on schedule.
Sarah Edwards, CNS's business development director, said: "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 us win the contract.
"We've also earned several top standards awards which reassure organisations making contract decisions that they are dealing with real professionals. In particular, as a Cisco Premier Certified partner, we are recognised and rewarded for employing some of the industry's best-trained network technicians who can demonstrate their expertise in planning, designing, implementing and supporting Cisco network solutions. This partnership has helped us to provide our customers with outstanding ICT solutions at price levels many would have thought impossible."
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 as well as 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.
"The new network 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 be getting a hands-on insight into the full potential of their new network when CNS takes a mobile version of it 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 the world's leading developer Cisco. It can accommodate up to 10 people at a time with a trained team demonstrating the kit before letting pupils and staff tests the kit themselves.
Sarah Edwards, business development director at CNS, 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."
