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Introduction

Meta Eagle approached the project with a strategic plan tailored to the  Trust's needs. They began by assessing the existing network infrastructure to identify limitations and challenges, including outdated Cisco 2960 switches and Ruckus Wireless access points. Using their expertise, Meta Eagle devised a plan to replace legacy systems with advanced Extreme Switching technology and modern wireless access points. The team worked closely with the Trust, employing a phased approach to ensure minimal disruption, prioritizing crucial areas to maintain operations. Meta Eagle aimed to provide a scalable, high-performance network solution that addressed current needs and enabled future growth and advancements.

The Problem

The primary challenge encountered by the Trust was the outdated network equipment that was reaching the end of its life. The aging Cisco 2960 switches and Ruckus Wireless access points were creating bottlenecks, limiting bandwidth, and causing frequent disruptions. This outdated hardware struggled to support the Trust's growing need for high-speed connectivity and reliable wireless access across its campuses. As the infrastructure was so old, it was not subject to vendor updates, and the state of the cabling also made this a challenging project. The lack of redundancy and monitoring capabilities further exacerbated the situation, leaving the Trust vulnerable to potential network failures and inefficiencies.

The Solution

In response to the Trust's challenges, Meta Eagle implemented a state-of-the-art Extreme Switching network to replace the aging Cisco Edge and Aggregation switches. By installing new Core Switches at both sites, the solution delivered 10Gbit connectivity and essential redundancy. This transformation ensured that the Trust's network infrastructure could handle current demands and scale for future growth.

Furthermore, Meta Eagle upgraded the wireless network by replacing outdated access points with modern Wifi6-capable devices. This enhancement provided fast, reliable wireless connectivity across multiple buildings, seamlessly authenticating with the existing environment. The new network infrastructure was integrated with Extreme Cloud IQ, enabling real-time monitoring and up-to-date telemetry for proactive network management.

Results

The implementation of Meta Eagle's solution brought remarkable results for the Multi Academy Trust. The network now boasts redundancy and 10Gbit uplinks between buildings, ensuring reliable and high-speed data transmission. With the switches and wireless access points now monitorable via Extreme Cloud IQ, the Trust can proactively manage its network and address potential issues before they impact operations.

The revitalised wireless network supports seamless connectivity throughout the campuses, enhancing the learning experience for students and staff. Trust personnel expressed their satisfaction, with one testimonial stating,

"An absolute pleasure to work with Lee, Josh, and Ben—always giving their best and delivering on our projects. I would recommend."

Conclusion

The partnership between the Multi Academy Trust and Meta Eagle has been a resounding success, transforming the Trust's network infrastructure into a reliable, high-performance system capable of supporting their mission for educational excellence. Moving forward, the Trust is well-positioned to leverage this advanced infrastructure for future technological advancements and innovations.

To learn more about how Meta Eagle can transform your network infrastructure, book a demo or explore our resources today

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