Case Studies

Case Studies

Computrad deploy a new Ethernet infrastructure across Wigan & Leigh College 6 site campus including structured cabling and a Cisco based LAN environment.

Overview and Understanding of Requirements

Wigan & Leigh College operate 6 sites in the Wigan area all connected via a Telewest ATM service (155Mbs). Computrad (Europe) Ltd were asked to look into running voice across the ATM network via their existing ISDX telephone switches to reduce the annual Megastream costs between the sites. The business application used is Fretwell-Downing and the applications could not be served using the existing Flat Layer 2, 10Mb network.

The College also wanted to explore IP telephony within there environment whilst also putting in an infrastructure capable of supporting Video over IP for remote learning and classroom overflow.

The mission statement delivered by Nick Crawford (Financial Director) was to "Not have to invest another half million in four years time". Once the new network was in place it would be continually upgraded to ensure future investment was minimal.

The Right Solution

Computrad (Europe) Ltd first had to evaluate the current situation. A senior engineer was enlisted to carry out a full network audit and health-check with a detailed report being produced. This formed the basis of the technical information required, with a detailed business report being extrapolated from this.

Computrad (Europe) Ltd installed a new Category 5e structured cabling system within each of the campus sites. These horizontal wiring closets were all connected back to the main comms rooms through fibre optic and copper backbones. Within each of these locations Computrad (Europe) Ltd commissioned new Cisco Catalyst 6500 and 4000 switches at the cores whilst Catalyst 3524 PWR were used for the users. The servers are now all connected at Gigabit Ethernet with the users all 100Mb switched to the desk.

Conclusion

Computrad (Europe) Ltd managed to deliver the above solution within a 3-week period prior to the start of the new 2001/02 term. These timescales were impressively met to ensure the enrolment process was uninterrupted with credit going to the project management of the installation, the dedication and hard work of the engineers and the co-operation of the college.

Computrad (Europe) Ltd have now formed a strategic partnership with the college ensuring that future projects, ongoing support and maintenance will be with Computrad (Europe) Ltd due to our ability to deliver under the tightest of timescales, competency of staff and service levels offered. Monthly meetings with the Wigan & Leigh College principals, directors and operational staff are underway to ensure that the partnership works for both organisations.