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FREE SPACE OPTIC TECHNOLOGY SAVES SCHOOL PLAYING FIELDS
The need to connect the network from the Senior School to the Prep School posed a problem for the Head of ICT at Colfe's School. While the former was served by a high speed network with a 2Mbps internet connection, to link the Prep School to the system through conventional cabling looked like being an expensive option - and one which would also result in digging up the rugby and cricket pitches. The solution was found in the use of Free Space Optic (FSO) technology. With two PAVLight outdoor units, the system at Colfe's School - designed for data only - operates at a speed of 100Mbs over a distance of some 350 metres. Not only was this solution quick to deploy - installed in a matter of hour rather than days, it also meant no disruption to the playing fields. Head of ICT, Christopher Smith, is delighted with this solution. "By using an FSO system we have been able to save money and avoid any disruption. In less than a day, the Prep School became fully linked to the Ethernet/fibre network which is a great advantage in terms of efficiency. Since installing the PAVLight system it has proved extremely reliable. We are really pleased with it," he concludes. At approximately one third the cost of conventional cabling, Free Space Optics is a alternative that offers real cost savings . PAVLight, developed and manufactured by PAV, one of the leaders in the FSO industry, offers scalable and flexible bandwidths from 1.54 Mbps to 1 Gbps, across distances up to 4 kilometres. It features unique modular architecture which can be upgraded easily to increase capacity. The equipment for Colfe's School was supplied by PAV re-seller, Beacon Link of Loughborough, who provide IT solutions for many schools and colleges. Joe Vavasour of Beacon Link believes more educational establishments should consider FSO. "It is a cost-effective solution for connecting two buildings on the same campus. Ease of installation and excellent reliability make it an attractive option, and the new PAVLight systems in particular offer the latest in FSO technology." The PAVLight system requires outdoor units to be positioned with clear line of sight - there is no need for planning permission or operating licences. |
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