Connect the Classroom - changes to VLANS etc

[toffee_paul]

Hi,

 

Our CtC supplier Stone Group will be installing new Cisco Meraki kit in the next couple of months. I'm yet to have a chat with their networking person about the Wi-Fi setup so just wondering how this stage tends to go? As they're responsible for installation and config of the Wi-Fi and the core switches which are also getting replaced this will mean some changes to VLANs and Wireless SSIDs etc. Do they tend to look at what's already in place and replicate it or are they generally open to doing what the customer wants?

 

Our current setup is quite rudimentary as it was set up originally by a third-party IT company who were subcontracted by the building firm during our move to new physical premises a few miles away. They ceased trading years ago. I've not changed too much as it seems to work ok for most of our usage scenarios but with the new equipment coming in I'm wondering to what extent things may need to change.

 

We have a Curriculum VLAN on for all our classroom/admin devices and other VLANS for door access, security etc.

Wi-Fi networks wise we have SSIDs for Curriculum and Guest Wi-Fi.

[localzuk]

Its your network, and you're the customer, so I would expect them to do what you want. Our CTC provider is doing so.

[atcoates]

Yes, you are the customer. The DFE is just paying the cost of the project on your behalf.

[CHiLL]

I'd recommend having a chat with them and laying our what you're after, they should be able to accomodate it in the scope of the project. If you aren't entirely sure, this type of installation project is something they do regularly, so you can also ask for advice/recommendations (though be wary of any upsell).

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

they should do a scope of works with you and discuss how you want it setting up.

[toffee_paul]

I'm not worried they won't implement something I've asked for, it's more like where does their remit end and by this I mean if what they have set up e.g. SSID wise, needs changes need to be implemented on other equipment e.g. the Smoothwall appliance, will they advise on this and be able to implement if we need them too or will they be strictly hands off with the kit they are not supplying themselves?

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

Thats a very good question and would really come down to the supplier.

Personally they should get everything back up and running however if you start to request jobs out of scope that are not essential to the CTC project it would likely be charged extra.

 

They should however make sure everything is back up and running as it was before the project depending on what setup changes you have requested.

 

Probably worth dropping the supplier a quick message to just ask, im sure they will have a straight answer for you

[Sylv3r]

We've had 16 CtC installs done by Stone and never had any issues with them. We've replicated a lot of the school existing setups in the first instance just to get things back up and running smoothly but have returned and reconfigured things now just to have an alignment across schools in the trust.