A small to medium sized school wireless solution
The challenge
Schools have seen a shift in the way in which their networks are utilised in recent years. With a switch from computer suites to laptop trolleys and the introduction of mobile devices such as iPads, wireless network dependency has grown exponentially in recent years. As more and more devices require internet/network access via these wireless networks it is important to have effective connectivity in schools.In the past, simple wireless trolley solutions were suitable for devices to access basic resources on the school’s network, but these solutions now struggle with the content distributed from learning resources such as Purple Mash to multiple devices at a time. What is required is a more robust and intelligent solution offering consistent performance and minimal school management.
The solution
SME Grade is a small or medium school wireless solution for schools that are looking to improve on their current trolley solutions or to offer a more modern wireless solution but do not require all the benefits of the Education Grade solution. It offers a reliable and robust wireless solution for mobile devices and laptops with support for up to 450Mbps through-put on the AP Pro, or 1300Mbps on the Unifi AP AC (dependent on configuration and client specifications.)
We offer two support packages:
How our service works
The ICT Service will schedule a date for a member of the Install team to carry out the survey. After the survey, The ICT Service will order the equipment and arrange our third party contractor to install the Access Points and implement the controller software on the school server. The controller software for SME Grade Wireless is installed locally on the school server and would therefore be subject to updates by your local onsite technician.
The benefits
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Frequently asked questions
SME Grade wireless will enable you to move around the school with your device, but the experience of roaming is not as efficient as you would receive from a single channel solution.Do I require an additional wireless controller?
No, the software does not require a separate controller; the software can be run locally on your school server or, if you opt for our managed solution, the controller is based in our data centre. You may require additional hardware, such as a switch, in your network cabinet to run the wireless access points, but we can advise you on this.How are the APs mounted?
The APs are not intrusive and can be wall mounted or mounted to ceiling tiles.
Is it possible to have outdoor coverage?
Yes, the SME Grade solution offers outdoor access points, meaning coverage can be provided to external parts around the school, such as a playground.
Is SME Grade Wireless recommended for multi-storey school buildings?
No, we would recommend the Education Grade Wireless solution for a multi-storey school building. The Education Grade solution continually adapts the configuration of its access points to ensure adequate signal strength and interference reduction.
How does the Education Grade Wireless Solution compare to the SME (Small to Medium-sized Enterprises) Grade Wireless Solution?
| Education Grade Wireless | SME Grade Wireless | |
| Cloud-based centralised management |  |
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| Ability to roam | |
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| Traffic shaping | |
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| Small footprint, more APs needed | |
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| Enterprise security, including BYOD policies | |
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| Suitable for large primary school / secondary school | |
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| Integrated mobile device management | |
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| 1:1 device usage | |
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| 2:1 device usage | |
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| Ongoing support / maintenance | |
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| Multi-channel architecture | |
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Availability
All schools in Cambridgeshire and the surrounding counties – Contact us for a bespoke quote.
