Passive Optical LAN unifies and extends networks inside classroom, and across campuses, which ultimately improves connectivity demands for better student learning – all while lowering costs for school administrators.
A Smart Choice for K-12 Education Initiative
- Fiber has no bandwidth limits, thus the investment is protected
- Easily interconnect far-reaching campus buildings over fiber
- Helps schools achieve sustainability goals – it’s Green!
- Optical LAN satisfies the goals established for eRate program
There is a national debate on how to best support K-12 students’ learning through advanced technology, including one-gigabit connectivity, cloud-based services, wireless Wi-Fi, and access to eLearning apps and eBooks. As technology-based learning tools are introduced, the bigger question is whether the inter-connect architecture of today’s school networks are suited for high bandwidth applications?
Pentegra Systems utilize Tellabs Optical LAN to enable K-12 schools to create fiber-based “Private LANs” across districts and eliminate telecom closets at individual schools for simpler provisioning of service and management of networks. The fiberbased solution is a more efficient and effective means to interconnect wired, wireless, and cloud access for computers/laptops/tablets, eLearning applications and eBooks over fiber. Savings on operating costs and resources can be focused back on other technology initiatives that benefit the students, teachers and improve the overall educational experiences.
Tellabs Optical LAN Benefits
Tellabs Optical LAN helps K-12 schools lower operating costs while improving networks and services for students, teachers and the extended school staff. Traditional models of accounting for IT costs are simplified as management of network resources in centralized in one location to service multiple schools.
Students, Teachers, and Administration
School boards quickly see the cost reductions enabled by deploying an Optical LAN. Administrators and teachers benefit when these savings are invested in school resources needed to improve the overall educational experience. School IT staff have the confidence that the network infrastructure helps them exceed operational efficiency goals, network uptime and security expectations. Students enjoy high performance and high availability access to school resources, including cloud, Wi-Fi and e-Learning apps over passive Optical LAN.
For the IT and Network Staff
The benefits of fiber over traditional copper cabling are many. Fiber costs less to purchase and install, is smaller, lighter and stronger, has greater bandwidth capacity and reach, and lasts longer. Tellabs Optical LAN’s optical reach extends as 18 miles, enabling “private LANs” where one central location serves multiple schools. At each school, Optical LAN continues to eliminate traditional network demarcations by removing the need for telecom rooms, reduces LAN mid-span electronics, powering equipment, A/C and ventilation, cabling and associated materials. The solution also efficiently interconnects wired and wireless endpoints for Wi-Fi connectivity with greater speeds, capacity and better reliability.
At the District Level Optical
LAN’s centralized intelligence and management simplifies the network and requires fewer IT resources. The solution is ideal for inter-connecting classrooms, labs, faculty offices, libraries, student common areas, sports facilities, cafeterias, bookstores and multi-purpose rooms. In fact, with the extended reach using fiber, districts can connect multiple schools with just one Optical LAN system. The network architecture also helps school districts achieve sustainability and “green” goals.
eRate Impact
The eRate programs allocate billions of dollars annually for network interconnect upgrades, aiming to move away from outdated technology in a cost-effective way. However, there is an assumption that wireless Wi-Fi is the main focus of this transition. In fact, Wi-Fi access points (WAPs) rely on wired connections, so upgrades to fiber-based infrastructure are still necessary. Wired connectivity remains vital in classrooms and campuses, highlighting the importance of a fiber solution that connects both wired and wireless endpoints.
Passive Optical LAN can be that network interconnect that efficiently transitions away from legacy, subtends wireless access points, and occupies less space, consumes less energy and saves school districts money. And, there should emphasis on choosing a fiscally responsible technology, like Optical LAN, that provides better future-proof investment protection.
Optical LAN is a Better Way to Build and Operate K-12 Networks
Pentegra Systems improves cloud services and Wi-Fi networks with Tellabs Optical LAN, offering cost-effective WAN/LAN solutions that free up funds for other technology initiatives like cloud services, tablets, and eLearning applications.