Mexico. Panasonic de México has developed a B2B solution for the complete technological renovation of the Liceo Mexicano Japonés, the prestigious educational institution, with more than 35 years of history, located south of Mexico City.
The project, the responsibility of Panasonic's B2B Integral Solutions Division, was based on six major areas necessary to update and prepare the institution technologically for the future: IT and network infrastructure, computer security, WiFi access, IP telephony, video surveillance and training services. (Images available)
"For the Liceo Mexicano Japonés, technology is an aspect of vital importance in the academic life of our students, from the youngest to the youngest of high school, so it was urgent and very necessary that our school was prepared to offer the best connectivity and wide possibilities of communication to our entire community. We invested 11.5 million Mexican pesos to modernize the entire communication infrastructure and networks; we are sure it was a great decision," said Shizuo Watanabe, general director of the Japanese Mexican Lyceum.
Panasonic's B2B Integral Solutions Division is distinguished by providing the consulting, design and integration services of projects, as well as the hardware and software necessary to deliver a turnkey technological solution. The project of the Liceo Mexicano Japonés represents an excellent example of what Panasonic is able to offer to the organizations of our country.
Technological renewal to stay ahead of the curve
The data and telephony infrastructure, wiring and equipment of the Liceo Mexicano Japonés were already obsolete for their current needs, which affected internal communication between departments and external communication with parents or providers, in addition to suffering from constant connectivity problems between its different users: teachers, students and administrators.
In assessing its needs, the Liceo Mexicano Japonés found that it required a comprehensive High Availability solution that included the specific infrastructure to support the technological changes expected in the next ten years.
Through a tender, the proposal of Panasonic of Mexico was chosen, a company that offered a complete turnkey solution that included marketing, installation, configuration, commissioning, training and after-sales support. Panasonic had as an ally one of its business partners, the integration and installation company ISR who were responsible for the implementation of the infrastructure on site.
IT Infrastructure and Networks: The brain of the project
Renewing the IT infrastructure, both to meet current and future needs, was the priority of the project, since the proper functioning and operation of all other systems depended on it.
The network consists of a main "zero node", known as MDF (Main Distribution Frame), which represents the brain of the project, from which nine other sites, called IDF (Intermediate Distribution Frame), are connected via optical fiber, which communicate with different devices through CAT6a cabling.
This infrastructure, of fiber optics and CAT6a cabling, will stand the test of time and will be able to adapt to new technologies in the medium and long term, in addition to ensuring support for ultra-high-speed networks such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
Computer Security: Indispensable data protection
The solution developed by Panasonic allows you to have control of all communications that enter and leave the Lyceum. To do this, the servers and their back-ups were changed and an infrastructure of powerful redundancy was implemented. An active directory was also created within the main server, which offers control of the information that is downloaded and "uploaded", which monitors and ensures that no malicious code, malware, phishing, spam or viruses are introduced.
The school protects itself with powerful software that rejects virtual attacks and protects them through a combination of computer security that includes a powerful firewall, antivirus, data encryption, email management and mobile networks.
To reinforce the protection and protection of data, both the space in which the main site or MDF is located and the nine IDF, are well equipped with air conditioning systems, biometric access control, video surveillance camera, smoke and fire detectors and alarms.
Universal WiFi Access: Learning and Operation anywhere
An institution like the Liceo Mexicano Japonés cannot operate without WiFi, which is why a redundant wireless network was created that allows hundreds of users to connect simultaneously. More than 60 access points provide the service to students, teachers, workers and guests. WiFi covers about 80% of the facilities, the same inside buildings as in courts, gardens, corridors and courtyards.
For broadband Internet, the services of two carriers were contracted, with the idea of always having a backup in case one of them fails and thus avoid interruptions or drop-outs. In this case, users will not perceive that the service has failed, since the other will enter as a backup in a transparent and immediate way.
IP Telephony: The Gateway to Unified Communications
Another goal of the project was the renovation of the entire telephone structure of the school. Panasonic implemented its IP telephony technology with a robust IP PBX hybrid switch and more than 100 terminals, which will facilitate the control and management of all calls.
In addition, this technology will allow to obtain a significant reduction in costs and better quality in voice and data transmission, have more modern devices, optimize internal communication lines, enable hundreds of extensions without restriction and the future possibility of incorporating video conferencing systems.
Video surveillance: All areas under control
To ensure the safety of students and staff, a new video surveillance system was developed that covers both the interior of the campus and the key points outside. The system integrates more than 30 cameras with IP technology and HD and Full HD resolution, as well as three hard disk recorders that store the images for later use or consultation.
Training: Knowledge for users
Holding the hand of new users and making available all the necessary knowledge were subjects of the training that Panasonic gave to the IT, Informatics and Systems team of the Liceo Mexicano Japonés, who, in turn, will be responsible for sharing the information with their colleagues to overcome resistance to change and ensure that operations flow correctly with the new systems implemented.
High Availability: Guaranteed Operation
Panasonic was in charge of launching the project with High Availability, a well-known term in the IT industry, which refers to the availability of network resources, even when some of its components fail. In a High Availability system, the project design minimizes IT infrastructure disruptions by implementing redundant and extremely fault-tolerant components. The area that was privileged in the Liceo Mexicano Japonés was the integrity of the data within servers, since without it it is not possible to restore IT operations.
The main site or MDF integrates a redundancy system for electrical backup. In the event of a power supply failure, the school has a power plant that will provide power to strategic points, including the site. For greater protection, several UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) have been installed on the same site, interruptible AC power supplies, which act in fractions of a second, even before the power plant comes into operation.
Future-proof
"Now the Liceo Mexicano Japonés has a state-of-the-art networking and communication system. However, we have left an infrastructure robust enough to receive new technologies in the next 10 years. The school can be upgraded along with innovations," said Satoshi Taki, from Panasonic's B2B Solutions Division.
"We are sure that our students, teachers and workers will benefit pleasantly from this renovation and modernization of the Japanese Mexican High School," said Shizuo Watanabe, general director of the Japanese Mexican Lyceum. "We want to stay at the forefront of education in Mexico and this is a great step to achieve it," he concluded.
