Education Industry- network connectivity upgrade project case study

 

About the company

The educational facility is a public high school located in Central Valley, California. With an enrollment of close to 2,100 students, it is the largest school in its district. Established in 1959, the facility is known for its vibrant school spirit, represented by its school colors—red, white, and navy blue—and its mascot, the Mustangs. The school’s athletic teams compete in the highly competitive West Valley League. It is also a part of the Central Valley Joint Union High School District, which includes other high schools in the area. The school prides itself on providing quality education and fostering a supportive community for students and staff.

CHALLENGES

The educational facility faced significant challenges with its outdated network infrastructure, which was leading to frequent connectivity issues and hampering the educational experience. The primary challenge was to upgrade the network systems across multiple buildings without disrupting ongoing classes. The school needed a reliable and high-speed network to support both wired and wireless connections for students and staff, ensuring seamless access to digital resources and online learning platforms.

Assessment and solution

PM2Net conducted a comprehensive assessment of the existing network infrastructure and identified several key areas for improvement. The solution involved installing and configuring new network switches, consolidating wall-mount cabinets, and migrating existing connections to the new equipment. The project aimed to enhance the network's reliability, speed, and overall performance while ensuring compliance with industry standards and local codes. 

  • Thorough Planning and Coordination: PM2Net developed a detailed project plan in collaboration with the facility, ensuring that all tasks were scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize disruption. The team coordinated closely with school administrators to plan every step of the installation process.

  • Efficient Resource Management: The project required a large team of field technicians, with a senior field technician assigned as a supervisor to streamline communication and oversee the work. This ensured efficient use of resources and effective task management.

  • Seamless Integration and Migration: PM2Net ensured that the new network switches were configured to match the functionality of the existing ones. This included migrating existing switch connections, reconfiguring Ethernet and fiber wiring, and labeling all units for easy identification.

  • Real-Time Troubleshooting: Given the ongoing school sessions, PM2Net maintained open communication channels through project groups, dial pad, and personal chats, allowing for immediate resolution of any issues that arose.

  • Client Involvement and Support: The staff were actively involved throughout the project, providing necessary access and resources. Regular updates and transparent communication helped manage expectations and ensure a smooth workflow.

advantages

The implementation of the new network infrastructure brought several benefits to Central Valley High School:

  • Enhanced Connectivity: The upgraded network elements provided reliable and high-speed internet access, significantly improving the educational experience.

  • Simplified Network Management: The consolidation of network cabinets and streamlined wiring reduced maintenance efforts and improved network management.

  • Increased Security and Compliance: The new installations were compliant with industry standards and local codes, ensuring a secure and robust network.

  • Minimal Disruption: Careful planning and off-peak scheduling ensured that the project was completed with minimal disruption to school activities.

By successfully upgrading the network infrastructure across multiple buildings, PM2Net demonstrated its capability to deliver high-quality, reliable solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of educational institutions. The project was completed with minimal disruption, enhancing connectivity and operational efficiency at the educational facility, thereby supporting their mission to provide a modern and effective learning environment.