Revolutionizing School Connectivity - A Case Study on Larmenier and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School

Introduction

Reliable network infrastructure has become vital in education, with schools relying on digital connectivity for both administration and teaching. This was the case for Larmenier and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in London, where an outdated network was limiting productivity and connection reliability. With the help of NETGEAR Business and Smallworld IT, the school transitioned to a modern, high-speed network solution designed to meet the demands of staff, students, and guests.

The Challenge: An Aging Network

Like many institutions, Larmenier and Sacred Heart faced connectivity issues with its aging network. Built nine years ago, the system was struggling to keep up with the growing number of devices and modern applications used in classrooms and administrative offices.

Alastair Ross, the school’s Computing and IT Lead, saw the need for a network overhaul to support the school’s educational goals and cloud-based applications. His priorities were clear: security, speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. That’s when NETGEAR Business came into the picture with a comprehensive network solution.

NETGEAR: The Heart of the Solution

The implementation features two strategically deployed NETGEAR M4250-40G8XF-PoE+ switches. One is dedicated to handling multicast video traffic, while another manages all non-multicast data. The key technology differentiator is IGMP Plus functionality, which prevents network bottlenecks by efficiently containing multicast traffic.

“By using NETGEAR switches, we avoided a bottleneck of video traffic between switches,” explains Jordi Bonte from AV Challenges. “IGMP Plus is one of the reasons why I am a fan of NETGEAR.”

The Solution: WiFi 6-Powered Network

NETGEAR Business recommended a WiFi 6-based network, known for handling more connected devices while delivering higher speeds and improved performance. The solution included 30 wireless access points and 8 network switches to maintain separate networks for private, student, and guest use. NETGEAR’s wireless access points ensured seamless connectivity across the school, while the switches guaranteed fast data transfer between devices.

A site survey, free for NETGEAR business customers, identified the best locations for access points, helping to eliminate signal interference and optimize performance.

Smooth Installation with Minimal Disruption

To ensure minimal disruption during school hours, NETGEAR partnered with Smallworld IT, an experienced local network integrator. Smallworld IT’s team pre-configured the devices in their lab using NETGEAR’s Insight cloud management tool, so they were ready to deploy quickly on-site. Installation was completed with minimal impact on the school’s daily activities.

Smallworld IT leveraged NETGEAR Insight’s QR code feature to speed up device configuration, connecting the network components swiftly and efficiently. The flexibility and commitment of Smallworld IT to fit the school’s schedule were instrumental in the success of the installation.

The Results: A Future-Ready Network

With the new NETGEAR WiFi 6 network, Larmenier and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School now enjoys:

• High-speed, reliable connectivity: Network speed issues and connection problems are a thing of the past. The WiFi 6 access points deliver fast initial connection times and ensure smooth operation even during high traffic times.
• Increased bandwidth for more devices: The network can now handle large numbers of connected devices simultaneously, whether it’s pupils using tablets, teachers streaming educational content, or administrative staff using cloud applications.
• Enhanced guest WiFi: Events like parent-teacher evenings now benefit from robust guest WiFi, with enough capacity to handle hundreds of connections without lag.
• Streamlined operations: Even non-teaching staff, like the school’s head chef, have benefited from the upgrade, as she now has WiFi access in the kitchen, allowing her to place orders directly from her workspace.

A Testament to Reliability and Service

The success of the project speaks to the strength of NETGEAR’s business solutions and the dedication of Smallworld IT. Alastair Ross summarized the impact of the new system: “I no longer hear of — or experience — any issues related to network speed or connection. It’s clear that the network is operating faster.”

Smallworld IT also praised the close collaboration with NETGEAR. Julian Small, the founder of Smallworld IT, noted, “With NETGEAR Business, we trust the products and have a great relationship with the team. The customer experience is key, and NETGEAR takes it to the next level.”

Conclusion and Case Study Download Link

For schools like Larmenier and Sacred Heart, upgrading an aging network is not just a technical necessity—it’s a vital investment in educational outcomes. Thanks to the flexibility, speed, and cost-effectiveness of NETGEAR Business solutions, Larmenier now has a robust, scalable network that will support learning, teaching, and school operations for years to come.

Contact NETGEAR Business today to explore how your school or business can benefit from a modern, future-proof network solution.