Bradford Grammar, one of the most technologically advanced schools in the country, has announced a major investment in 10 Gigabit backbone switches from SMC Networks that will underpin a crucial network upgrade in the summer of 2005.

The increased network capacity will allow the school to put more PCs on the network and deliver high-bandwidth applications straight to classroom desktops. By the start of the new academic year Bradford Grammar will have one PC for every two of its 1100 pupils, all connected to a school wide network that works via an advanced server cluster on a fibre optic backbone.

As part of the upgrade, Bradford Grammar will use fifteen SMC TigerStack 1000 network backbone switches to provide 10G links between school buildings and help deliver multimedia applications over the network. In the Modern Language Department, for example, teachers will be able to use resilient interactive video services that make lessons more enjoyable and engaging for pupils.

'We chose SMC Networks for this upgrade because they provide quality products that have been used at this school over 10 years,' said Simon Marriott, network manger for Bradford Grammar. 'The new backbone is a major move forward for us - it will extend our network capacity and give everyone total confidence in the quality and reliability of the multimedia services that are so important to learning in the school today.'

The TigerStack 1000 (SMC8748M) is a 48-port 10/100/1000BASE-T managed switch including 4 Gigabit combo ports (SFP/RJ-45), an optional 10G uplink and built-in stacking. The switch is designed to handle heavy traffic workgroups and is capable of reaching up to 156Gbps with a non-blocking switching architecture. Advanced switching and security features combine to produce a switch that is ideal for enterprise workgroups or backbone installation.

As part of the same upgrade, Bradford Grammar has also invested in seven units of the TigerSwitch 10/100/1000 (SMC8648T); a high-performance managed switch with 48 fixed 10/100/1000 ports, four of which can be upgraded with optional mini GBIC expansion slots for fibre connections.

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About SMC Networks
SMC Networks is a leading provider of LAN hardware and broadband connectivity devices. Globally, SMC Networks leverages manufacturing resources and strategic relationships to bring to market a growing range of affordable, leading-edge products; including Gigabit and Fast Ethernet Switching, Wireless networking, Broadband connectivity products as well as traditional wired network adapters.
 
SMC Networks specialises in solutions for the SMB/e, and the home. Worldwide, SMC delivers network solutions through an infrastructure of VAR partners, ISPs and retailers.