What we do
Overview
We do everything from adding a new data socket in a classroom, to
improving network speeds, through to providing networks in new
buildings. We understand the challenges of working in schools and are
very adept at ensuring there are no disruptions to learning while work
is carried out. Below are some examples of the work we do:
Adding network points
We make the process as simple as possible. You show us where you want
the new network point and leave the rest to us. We will work out exactly
what we need to do, liaise with premises staff, and ensure we understand
exactly what needs to be done. We will carry-out the work with the
minimum of impact to learners, educators and support staff. We will
fully test and certify the connection before completion. And we will
keep the costs aligned with education budgets.
Untangling network cabinets
Network cabinets, by their very nature, often contain a lot of cables.
Over time, as people add patch-leads in a hurry to solve a problem,
cabinets can become untidy. An untidy cabinet is very difficult to
maintain. A failure in a switch in the left-hand cabinet (below) would
result in a day's down-time while cables are disconnected and mapped. In
the right-hand cabinet, on the other hand, a switch can be changed in a
matter of minutes. In the left-hand cabinet, RJ45 connectors become
unlatched or snapped by the pressure of cables, resulting in data-point
unreliability. Our approach to re-cabling cabinets is methodical and
thorough.
Resolving network problems
There are many co-dependent elements of a local area network and
discovering why your network is not performing as you would like is
almost impossible unless you are equipped with considerable diagnostic
skills, technical knowledge and experience. Our approach to diagnosing
any problem is systematic, logical and tenacious. We will take the time
to understand what you are experiencing, we will gain a clear picture of
the structure of your network, and then we will systematically isolate
the problem. We will provide you with an explanation of our findings in
plain English, and recommend a solution to you.
Installing new networks
Designing an effective, resilient and future-proof network is all
about careful planning. We take the time to understand your particular
requirements, we ensure the design meets the needs of the BECTA
Technical Specification for Institutional Infrastructure, and
importantly, keep the installation costs affordable. No two network
requirements are
the same, and one size does not fit all. The network infrastructure must
be fit for purpose but not over-engineered, otherwise purchasing, set-up and
maintenance costs will escalate.
Upgrading networks
The BECTA Technical Specification for Institutional Infrastructure
gives a clear standard to which network upgrades should adhere. In the
main for schools, this will be a cabling and switch upgrade from CAT5 to
CAT5e and 10/100 to 1Gb. However, it is not necessary to upgrade all
components of the network to enjoy significant performance improvements.
Upgrading 10 routes that are not at capacity will not yield any
benefit whatsoever, but upgrading 1 route that is overloaded will bring
an immediate benefit. We will survey your network infrastructure and
recommend a phased approach to upgrading so that you only upgrade the
elements as and when the change will have a direct and positive impact
on performance. Clearly, this approach helps schools to keep expenditure
to a minimum.
Network infrastructure audit
We audit your existing network infrastructure and will report any
differences between the current network and the BECTA Technical
Specification. Using this information, we will provide you with our
recommendation for a phased upgrade plan so that you can budget
accurately.