Reliable Internet is Essential for Schools
In today's digital age, reliable internet is essential for schools. Students need access to online resources to thrive academically, and teachers need to be able to use technology to deliver engaging lessons.
The Department for Education (DfE) in England has set minimum requirements for internet speeds in schools. Primary schools should have a minimum download speed of 100 Mbps and an upload speed of 30 Mbps. Secondary schools, all-through schools, and further education colleges should have a connection capable of delivering download and upload speeds of 1 Gbps.
In addition to a reliable internet connection, it is important to have a backup plan in case of an outage. This can be achieved by setting up an automatic failover system. An automatic failover system is a type of network redundancy that automatically switches to a backup internet connection if the primary connection experiences an outage, this could be a connection from a different ISP or as a managed solution from that same ISP then ensures diverse routing via different telephone exchanges
There are many benefits to having reliable internet in schools. Research has shown that students with access to high-speed internet in the classroom tend to achieve better academic outcomes. Additionally, high-speed internet fosters greater engagement, making learning more interactive and motivating, ultimately leading to improved retention. It also enables effective collaboration among students, enhancing their problem-solving and communication skills. Moreover, high-speed internet facilitates personalised learning, allowing teachers to tailor lessons to individual students and improve overall learning outcomes.
If you are a school business leader in the UK seeking to upgrade your internet connection, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- To meet the minimum bandwidth requirements laid out by the Government bodies, Fibre to the Premises / Ethernet services are an essential solution.
- Ensure network security by implementing firewalls and antivirus software. This will help to protect your school's network from potential threats.
- Provide training to your staff on effective internet usage. This will help to ensure that students are using the internet safely and effectively.
- By following these recommendations, you can ensure that your school benefits from a reliable internet connection that adequately supports the needs of both students and teachers.
DB Comms will be presenting at ‘Invest In You’ a networking event and event for School Business Managers and Finance Directors at Hylands House, Chelmsford, on 21st June, 2023 please see here to register as delegate
The ISDN switch-off, which is scheduled to take place in 2025, is a significant event for businesses relying on ISDN or analogue telephony. The switch-off will make it impossible for businesses to use ISDN lines, which could disrupt their communications and lead to lost revenue.
To avoid these disruptions, businesses should consider upgrading to a modern digital telephony solution. Digital telephony offers numerous benefits, including improved call quality, increased reliability, and greater flexibility. The cost-effectiveness of digital telephony also makes it a compelling choice for businesses looking to improve their bottom line.
Why Upgrade to Digital Telephony?
There are several compelling reasons for businesses to upgrade to digital telephony. Firstly, digital telephony is more reliable and provides better call quality compared to traditional ISDN or analogue systems. Additionally, digital telephony offers increased flexibility, allowing businesses to add new lines or extensions as they grow. The advanced features, such as call forwarding, conference calling, and voicemail to email, can also streamline communication processes and increase efficiency.
Cost-effectiveness is another significant advantage of digital telephony. Digital telephony systems generally have lower call charges and reduced hardware costs. The possibility of remote working can also result in substantial savings for businesses.
Benefits of Digital Telephony
The benefits of digital telephony are numerous, and include improved call quality, increased reliability, and greater flexibility. The advanced features offered by digital telephony can also streamline communication processes, making them more efficient and saving businesses time and money. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of digital telephony makes it a compelling choice for businesses looking to improve their bottom line.
Making the Transition
The ISDN switch-off in 2025 is fast approaching, and it is important for businesses to act sooner rather than later to avoid potential disruptions to their operations. To ensure a seamless transition, businesses should consider the following steps:
Assess the current telephony system: Businesses should first assess their current telephony system and identify any areas that need improvement. This will help determine the type of digital telephony system that would best meet their needs.
Consider vendor support: When choosing a digital telephony vendor, it is important to consider the level of support they offer. The vendor should be able to assist with the transition and provide ongoing support to ensure the system continues to meet the needs of the business.
Plan the transition: The transition to digital telephony should be well-planned to ensure it goes smoothly. This may involve testing the new system, training employees, and updating systems and processes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ISDN switch-off in 2025 is a significant event for businesses relying on ISDN or analogue telephony. Upgrading to digital telephony provides numerous benefits, including improved call quality, increased reliability, and greater flexibility. The cost-effectiveness of digital telephony also makes it a compelling choice for businesses looking to improve their bottom line. By following the steps outlined in this white paper, businesses can ensure a smooth transition and continue to meet the needs of their customers.