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Parkstone Grammar Make the Meru Choice
This week, Solutions inc. successfully won a competitive Meru Wireless LAN contract to supply Parkstone Grammar School in Poole, Dorset. The school has impressive plans to support a raft of mobile and handheld learning equipment as it strives to support a 1:1 learning initiative. Initially covering the existing science wing and a three-storey new build (due for completion this summer), the new network will serve as a test bed for wider adoption across the entire campus in the years to come.
"The primary reason for awarding the contract came down to technical specialisation and detailed understanding of our school's needs. Solution's flexible approach to pricing and track record in successfully providing Meru WLAN systems to other institutions across the South, provided further confidence in their abilities."
Craig Judd, IT Manager.
On a personal level, I'm really looking forward to engaging with Craig and his team as we deploy the system over the summer term. Strategically, Parkstone is in an ideal location for us to support from our local Bournemouth store and we look forward to building on this initial success with other schools in the area.
System Components
• Meru MC4000 series controller
• AP320 Dual Radio Wi-Fi Access Points (802.11A/B/G/N)
• 802.3at PoE Midspans
• Comprehensive network planning, system installation, and long-term support
Beacon Programme
Beacon Programme
The nation-wide Beacon programme sets out to embrace the concept of partnership between UK schools, Meru Networks as a world class Wi-Fi technology provider and Solutions inc. the premier UK Meru partner.
Designed and delivered by Solutions inc., with the full support of Meru Networks, the Beacon programme aims to identify schools across the UK that are keen to embrace Wi-Fi technology to the fullest extent. Schools that are eager to lead the way with handheld learning, mobility and campus-wide high-speed Wi-Fi for all.
Solutions inc. invites any school that feels it can measure up to the Beacon criteria set out below to make contact directly as the Beacon programme is selective in its appointment.
Beacon Criteria:
Size: Beacons should be medium to large schools, colleges or academies with 1000+ students and staff. Large enough to represent the typical wireless network requirements of all other schools in the local area.
Location: Schools, colleges or academies that are well positioned and have available the facilities to host Wi-Fi technololgy events. Beacons should be leaders, or be keen to become leaders in technological innovation within their local area.
Commitment: Institutions must be planning to deploy a campus wide Meru Wi-Fi network. Those willing to extoll the virtues of mobile technologies and handheld learning by sharing best practice with other local schools and Beacons.
Benefits of Beacon status
PR: Indigo Cow, PR consultants for Solutions Inc, are tasked to work with Beacons to produce and manage local media coverage of the appointment and the school's position as technology leaders. Solutions inc. will also task Indigo Cow to oversee national media coverage of the Beacon programme.
Best price: Solutions inc. offers Beacons unrivalled savings on class leading Meru controllers essential for a medium to large scale Wi-Fi deployment. Further discounts on access points, accessories and maintenance ensure Beacons receive best pricing for all aspects of their campus wide network.
Commitment: Solutions inc. are committed to the Beacon programme: committed to developing a national network of schools from which to showcase mobile technology and committed to a partnership that ensures Beacons are leaders via a structured series of technology events. We are committed to sharing best practice and 100% committed to your success.
To discuss the Beacon programme please contact:
London & South -
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Midlands & North -
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Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a very convenient method of powering wireless access points (and other network equipment) by capitalising on the flexibility and safety of Cat5e/Cat6 data cable.
PoE compliant devices are wired to enable them to be powered via their data port; avoiding the need for mains cabling or external power supplies which would otherwise complicate or clutter the installation. The current is very low and the voltage just 48v DC. Thus, the system is inherently safe and avoids the need for stringent health and safety compliance - making it particularly suitable for use in schools and other public buildings.
When planning a PoE requirement, its important to understand that modern dual radio 'N' access points will require more power than single radio 'G' devices. Care must be taken to ensure the PoE system can deliver the correct levels of power for the device. There are two standards;
• 802.3af - for devices requiring up to 12.4watts
• 802.3at - for devices requiring up to 25watts
There are three methods of providing PoE to access points and other compliant devices;
1) PoE Injector
An 'injector' is a small, cigarette box sized adaptor that enables powering of an access point from a local mains outlet. There are two inputs - 240vAC mains and RJ-45 data, and one combined RJ-45 power and data outlet.
Considerations : When powering gigabit (Gbit) access points, ensure the use a gigabit capable injector. Many injectors are only 100Mbit and thus would choke the network performance of the AP.
Best suited to : Rapid, temporary deployment or small installations.
2) PoE Midspan
Great for retro fit to existing infrastructure
3) PoE Switch
Where space is a premium. Most costly option
The All Wireless Campus: Wireless networks to empower mobile learning
The all wireless campus
Scaling Wi-Fi to empower mLearning
2hr presentation by Aidan Bowen (co-founder of Solutions inc.)
Teaching and learning is going mobile. How does this impact on our wireless networks?
An exciting and practical presentation on Wi-Fi technology.
A fun and jargon-free session for educators and ICT advisors.
When scheduled at our own training centres, these sessions take the form of a presentation with plenty of time for audience interaction throughout. Alternatively, if you would prefer us to make the presentation directly to the senior leadership team at your school, please contact our education team to make an appointment.