Client: Groton School
Location: Groton, MA
Sector: Private Elementary and Secondary Education
Technology:
- Cellular BDAs
- Wireless access points
- Fiber optic cabling
Plan
Design
Install
Service
Infrastructure
Wireless
Security
Audio Visual
Cellular Reception
The prestigious Groton School initially contacted KTS to solve lack of reliable cellular coverage at one of its buildings on campus.
Over the years, the Groton School administration has seen tremendous change from ink wells to iPads. The KTS team has since worked with IT and Buildings & Grounds on many initiatives after proving its expertise, meeting tight timeframes, and delivering high quality work consistently and with attention to detail. Below is a summary of various projects KTS has completed to improve productivity and safety by installing cellular BDAs, installing new fiber optic cable to support the fire alarm system, and addressing increasing bandwidth demands with wireless access points.
Project 1: The Schoolhouse
Description: A common challenge across campus environments is ensuring reliable cellular coverage. The challenge is further complicated on this renowned private school campus with The Schoolhouse building dating back to 1899. Extensive renovations were done in 2015 to make the iconic Schoolhouse – which is considered “the heart of the school” – ready for the 21st century. The renovations integrated the virtually unchanged original structure into a new space. The majestic windows of the original building surround a new light-filled, fifty-foot-high Forum, which leads to a STEM addition.
The Work: Establish reliable cell coverage in three floors of the Schoolhouse where counselors and administrators work.
Challenges: Enabling reliable cellular coverage in historic buildings with two-foot-thick brick walls and solid ceilings presents challenges when it comes to designing and installing cellular BDAs, bi-directional amplifiers.
- 1899 building with ‘solid ceilings’ – meaning there was no drop ceiling to run cabling overeasily
- 2-foot-thick brick walls needed to be drilled through to find pathways to run the cable
- tight timeframe to get the job done during spring break 2018
Benefits/Impact: KTS engineered a solution that worked within this old, historic building. We were able to provide reliable cell coverage for texting and calls throughout the building with wiring limited to two floors, thereby delivering the desired end resulton budget. KTS displayed their craftsmanship and attention to detail when, for aesthetic purposes, the donor antenna was purposefully placed out of sight so that it would not obstruct the view of the clock tower from other vantage points across campus.
Project 2: Establishing Reliable Cell Coverage in the Gym and Hockey Rink
Description: Once the cellular BDA was installed in the Schoolhouse, the next priority was to establish reliable cell coverage in two popular areas of the Groton School campus: the gym and the hockey rink — mportant in both areas of campus to ensure reliable cell coverage.
The Work: Design and install cellular BDAs in each building, the Groton School gymnasium and the hockey rink.
Challenges:
- Limited timeline to get the job done on campus after summer camps and before school commenced.
- Exposed cable demanded quality craftsmanship to blend with walls.
- Placement of interior antennas for aesthetics in these large open buildings.
Benefits/Impact: Project completed on time and on budget, with project timing planned to align with 2018 budget and funds allocated for this initiative. Wireless coverage went from spotty to reliable.
Project 3: Installation of Wireless Access Points in Five Residence Halls and Administrative Buildings across the Groton School Campus
Description: The issue was spotty WI-FI and bandwidth issues due to increased demands on the school’s data network.The existing wireless access points were not initially designed or installed for maximum coverage.
The Work: Cable installation for new wireless access points for five buildings on campus. CAT 6 cables were installed wiring from Point A to Point B.This was more challenging than typically expected because of the architecture of buildings and older structures. KTS affectionately referred to one of the buildings as “The Fortress.”
Challenges:
- Tight, defined timeline to get the job done on campus during summer break and before camps begin.
- Protect the structure and architectural beauty of these historic buildings when installing CAT 6 cabling.
- Old buildings with thick walls and solid ceilings present a challenge for cabling.
Benefits/Impact: Project completed on time and on budget, with timing planned to align with 2018 budget and funds allocated for this initiative. Reliable WiFi.
Project 4: New Fiber Optic Cable for Fire Alarm System
Description: KTS was contacted to troubleshoot the fiber optic cable that supported the campus fire alarm system.
The Work: Troubleshooting the fiber optic cable system, an expansive loop across campus, was challenging. To effectively trouble shoot, KTS first standardized the connectors across the fiber optic system to identify where there was a higher than normal DB loss. Cards were upgraded where necessary and new fiber optic cable was installed so the fire alarm system was operating within acceptable DB levels.
Challenges:
- Troubleshooting a large fiber optic looped system to pinpoint the source of DB loss.
- Completing trouble shooting and installation of new fiber optic cable while avoiding any interruption to the network.
Benefits/Impact: Fire alarm system functioning within acceptable DB level.
Case Studies
Contact us to discover why so many organizations count on KTS to optimize their performance, functionality and security.
KTS, Inc.
41R Elm St. Unit B
Stoneham, MA 02180
