Davenies is a day preparatory school for boys between the ages of 4 and 13. Whilst the school offers a thorough education, they also endeavour to offer a broad education so that the pupils experience many opportunities in and outside the classroom. Unsurprisingly this involves technology and as a school at the forefront of education it is imperative for the school to include technology within this remit.
The challenges –
CST became involved with Davenies School in the summer of 2013 and following a comprehensive audit it was determined that we could add real value from both a consultancy and support basis. The School’s network had grown over the years as their requirements changed and CST’s challenge was to standardise, simplify and support. This was achieved by a program of upgrades and improvements working in partnership with their own in-house team.
Applications –
Microsoft Office 365 (hosted email), Windows Server 2008 R2
The solution –
Firstly the network cabling throughout the school was re-designed and simplified. Then the 2 existing networks (pupils and staff) were upgraded by using the latest VLAN technology, this added a further layer of security and resilience. The existing wireless system was then re-configured and extended to allow seamless wireless connectivity across the entire school site. A migration of the email to Microsoft Office 365 for Education was then implemented followed by enhancements of network policies to ensure the pupils machines were kept secure.
Finally we worked with the school to get a new BT Net line installed which working with the existing fibre line now has automatic failover should one of the lines go down.
The result –
The network has now been upgraded which allows for secure segregation of both cabled and wireless devices across the network. The email system is now far more resilient and offers much higher storage capabilities by utilising Microsoft Office 365 for Education.
The pupil’s network now encompasses some of the very latest technical innovations giving greater safety and security for all users. This combined with enhanced management and filtering of internet usage means teachers and parents can be confident of the right level of protection is in place to support this dynamic environment.
